Ushaw Moor and Bearpark Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Ushaw Moor and Bearpark during May 2023 revealed a mix of trends that reflect both seasonal influences and localized challenges. The area’s overall crime rate stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 3.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This relatively low rate is consistent with the characteristics of a built-up area in County Durham, where the density of population and infrastructure may contribute to more targeted, rather than widespread, criminal activity. However, the breakdown of crimes highlights significant disparities in the types of offences reported. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 50% of all incidents, far exceeding their share in the UK average. This emphasis on violent crime is likely tied to the area’s social dynamics, including the influence of local amenities and the timing of May’s extended evenings, which may encourage more outdoor interactions and, consequently, higher exposure to incidents. Shoplifting and public order offences also stood out, with both categories significantly above their UK counterparts. These findings suggest that retail and public spaces are particularly vulnerable, due to the area’s proximity to transport hubs or the presence of transient populations during the spring season. In contrast, anti-social behaviour and certain property crimes, such as vehicle crime and other theft, were reported at levels well below the UK average, indicating that some aspects of local crime prevention may be effective. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and longer daylight hours—likely played a role in shaping these patterns, as increased socialising and outdoor activity can both deter and, paradoxically, facilitate certain types of crime. While the overall rate remains below the national average, the sharp rise in shoplifting and the persistent overrepresentation of violent crime underscore the need for targeted strategies to address these specific areas of concern.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 200% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 2 to 6. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in drugs-related crimes and other theft, indicates a shift in criminal activity patterns. The area's violent crime rate—24 incidents—surpassed the UK average by 40%, a stark contrast to its performance in property crimes, where shoplifting and public order offences were 104% and 52% above national averages, respectively. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained 55% below the UK average, suggesting that community-focused interventions may be having a localized effect. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting underscores the need for heightened vigilance in retail areas, particularly during May’s longer evenings and bank holidays, when outdoor socialising increases. These trends highlight a combination of seasonal factors and local crime dynamics.

Ushaw Moor and Bearpark's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 22.9% compared to April, marking a notable upward shift. This increase brings the monthly rate to 7.7 per 1,000 residents, slightly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day in May, a figure that, while modest, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents relative to the population of 6,214. This monthly exposure rate suggests that while the area remains relatively safer than the UK average, the recent increase in violent and property crimes may warrant closer attention from local authorities and residents. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that the rise in specific categories—such as shoplifting and violence—could affect certain parts of the community, particularly those in proximity to local amenities or public spaces.