Ushaw Moor and Bearpark Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 presented a mixed picture for crime in Ushaw Moor and Bearpark, with some areas showing marked improvement while others saw troubling increases. The most significant positive development was the 25.9% reduction in violence and sexual offences, a decrease that may be attributed to seasonal factors such as the Christmas holiday period, which can lead to reduced public gatherings or increased community vigilance. However, the overall crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 residents—44.3% above the UK average—remains a cause for concern, particularly given the area's relatively small population. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.8% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (27.0%) and criminal damage and arson (15.9%). These figures suggest that interpersonal conflicts and property-related issues are dominating the local crime profile. The seasonal context of December, with its long nights and holiday-related activity, may have contributed to the persistence of anti-social behaviour and the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson. While the drop in violent crime offers a glimmer of hope, the stark divergence from the UK average and the disproportionate prevalence of certain offences indicate that the area's unique challenges—linked to its built-up character and limited resources—require sustained attention.

December 2025 saw a notable 25.9% decrease in violence and sexual offences, dropping from 27 to 20 incidents. This reduction may reflect seasonal factors such as shorter evenings or community initiatives. Conversely, criminal damage and arson surged by 150%, rising from 4 to 10 incidents—a stark increase that could be linked to holiday-related vandalism or unoccupied homes during the festive period. Other crime and public order offences each doubled, with both categories reaching 2 incidents—a shift that may indicate a growing trend in non-violent but disruptive incidents. Anti-social behaviour, already 190% above the UK average, remained the most prevalent crime type, highlighting persistent challenges in managing community conduct. Meanwhile, shoplifting and other thefts showed modest variations, with shoplifting only 5% above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas may not be the primary focus of such crimes in this area.

Ushaw Moor and Bearpark's crime rate rose to 10.1 per 1,000 in December 2025, marking a 12.5% increase from the previous month's 9.0 per 1,000. This upward trend contrasts with the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, placing the area 44.3% above the national figure. Locally, this translates to roughly two crimes reported each day in December, a figure that may feel more pronounced in a small built-up area with limited resources for rapid response. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 99 residents, a statistic that highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of just over 6,000 people. While this monthly exposure rate is specific to Ushaw Moor and Bearpark, it underscores the need for targeted local strategies to address persistent crime patterns. The population-scaled perspective reveals that each resident faces a higher risk of being affected by crime than the average UK resident, though the area's smaller size may also mean that incidents are more concentrated in specific neighbourhoods or locations.