Urpeth Crime Rate

Urpeth is one of the safest urban settlements in County Durham, with an overall crime rate of 26.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 93/100. The crime trend in Urpeth is moving in a positive direction, with a 9.5% decrease in total incidents year-over-year. Property crime is particularly low at just 4.1 per 1,000, which is far below the national average of 32.9. These statistics confirm Urpeth's status as a high-safety community where residents can enjoy a secure environment with minimal risk of property-related offences.

Crime Breakdown in Urpeth

Urpeth's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.2% of all recorded incidents (13 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 23.7%, followed by 'other crime' at 15.8%. These categories represent the majority of local police activity in the village.

Property crime in Urpeth is notably low, with a rate of just 4.1 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary and 'other theft,' which each account for 2.6% and 5.3% of total crimes respectively. Notably, there were zero recorded vehicle crimes in the latest data period, which is a significant indicator of the area's safety for car owners. For residents, this means that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary focus of local statistics, the risk of serious property loss or home invasion is remarkably minimal. With a safety score of 93/100, Urpeth is one of the more secure settlements in County Durham.

Crime Trends in Urpeth

Urpeth has seen a positive trend in crime over the last year, with a 9.5% decrease in total reported incidents. Monthly data shows that crime rates remain consistently low, with most months recording between 0.7 and 4.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. The peak occurred in November 2024 at 7.6, but rates have significantly declined since then.

This trend indicates that crime in Urpeth is stable and well-contained. The recent decrease reinforces the area's status as one of the safer settlements in the region. For residents, this means that the risk of crime is not only low but is also currently declining, providing a high degree of confidence in local safety and security. Monitoring these monthly patterns can help residents stay aware of occasional fluctuations in activity.

How To Keep Safe in Urpeth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Urpeth, accounting for 34.2% of incidents. While the overall crime volume is low, staying aware is always beneficial. Here are some safety tips for Urpeth residents:

1. Maintain strong links with your neighbours; an active and connected community is the most effective deterrent against anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
2. Given that burglary peaks at 38% during the night, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before going to bed, and consider using window sensors for extra security.
3. Although vehicle crime is currently zero, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables or bags are left in plain sight, even when parked on your own driveway.
4. Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local County Durham police to help them maintain the area's high safety standards.
5. Use smart home technology to monitor your property boundaries, providing an extra layer of deterrence that complements the local low-crime environment.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Urpeth

The timing of crime in Urpeth shows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are at their most prominent, each accounting for 39% of incidents during those periods. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are more likely to occur during daylight hours when there is more activity in the village.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of recorded crime shifts. Between 6pm and midnight, 'other' offences (including anti-social behaviour and violence) make up 60% of incidents. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where burglary risk surges to 38% of all recorded incidents. Conversely, theft drops to its lowest point of 9% during this period. This data highlights that while the day is prone to petty theft, the night is the period of highest risk for home intrusions, making overnight security a priority for Urpeth residents.

In the local context of County Durham, Urpeth is a standout area for safety. It is significantly more secure than nearby Pelton and Ouston (93.9) and Birtley (101.9), and is exceptionally safe compared to Kibblesworth (198.2). While the very small hamlet of Newfield reported zero crimes, Urpeth's rate of 26.3 is remarkably low for an area of its size. This comparison highlights Urpeth as a premier choice for residents seeking a safe, established community that performs far better than regional and national averages.

Urpeth's low property crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 and zero recorded vehicle crimes are a testament to the area's security. However, the fact that burglary risk peaks at 38% during the night suggests that proactive protection is still a valuable investment. Traditional security systems often rely on recording incidents as they happen, which only provides evidence after a crime has been committed.

scOS offers a modern alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to prevent crime before it reaches your door. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour and a potential threat, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter intruders. This proactive approach is particularly valuable for maintaining Urpeth's low burglary rate. Instead of just having footage of an incident, scOS aims to ensure the incident never occurs, preserving the safety and character of the Urpeth community. This level of protection is ideal for residents who value prevention over just recording.