Ushaw Moor and Bearpark Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The balance of crime types in Ushaw Moor and Bearpark during July 2023 reveals a combination of violent and property crimes, shaped by the area’s built-up character and seasonal dynamics. With 47 crimes recorded, the overall rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents places the area 8.4% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s relatively small population and limited urban density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.4% of all incidents.1 per 1,000 remains 12% above the UK average. This could be attributed to the area’s proximity to local amenities and the potential for increased foot traffic during the summer season. Shoplifting emerged as a significant concern, with 11 incidents recorded—200% above the UK average—suggesting a need for targeted interventions in retail areas. This spike in shoplifting may be linked to the area’s retail presence and the influx of visitors during the summer months. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 33.3% compared to the previous month, likely influenced by the extended daylight hours and the shift in community activity patterns during the summer. The overall crime mix highlights a contrast between the area’s relatively low property crime rate and the persistent challenges posed by violent crimes and shoplifting. These trends may be influenced by the area’s unique characteristics, such as its proximity to natural attractions and the seasonal fluctuations in local demographics. The data also underscores the importance of understanding how seasonal factors, such as tourism and extended daylight, interact with the local crime profile to shape monthly patterns.

July 2023 marked a 100% increase in vehicle crime, rising from zero to three reported incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This spike may reflect seasonal changes, as summer months often see increased vehicle usage and outdoor events in built-up areas. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell by 45.7% compared to the previous month, dropping from 35 to 19 cases. This decline aligns with the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000.1 per 1,000 remains 12% above the national figure. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 33.3%, from nine to six incidents, suggesting a possible correlation with the summer season and reduced evening activity in the area. Shoplifting incidents were 200% above the UK average, with 11 cases recorded—highlighting a persistent challenge for local retailers. The breakdown of crime types shows a shift in the balance between property and violent crimes, with property crimes accounting for 47% of all incidents compared to 40% in the previous month. This change could be influenced by the area’s retail presence and the impact of seasonal tourism on local businesses.

The crime rate in July 2023 dropped by 31.9% compared to June, falling from 11.1 to 7.6 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with typical summer patterns in built-up areas of County Durham, where extended daylight hours and seasonal tourism may contribute to lower reported crime. Locally, the area experienced an average of 2 crimes per day during the month, equating to roughly one reported crime for every 132 residents over the course of July. When scaled to the population of 6,214, this suggests a relatively low level of daily exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. The drop in overall crime rate contrasts with the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, though this comparison is not directly relevant to the daily frequency of incidents in this specific built-up area. The population context highlights that even with the 7.6 rate, the area remains below the national average, indicating a consistent trend of lower crime density relative to the UK as a whole. This lower density may reflect the area’s smaller population and limited urban infrastructure, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the localised nature of the statistics means that direct comparisons to national figures should be interpreted cautiously, as they may not account for regional differences in policing, demographics, or environmental factors.