West Auckland Crime Rate

West Auckland has a notably high crime rate of 209.8 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, considerably exceeding the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This figure places West Auckland among the areas with the highest crime rates in County Durham. While the overall trend has been increasing, particularly evident in the monthly data, the most frequent offences reported are anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and criminal damage and arson. Understanding these statistics is vital for residents and local authorities to address the underlying causes and implement effective prevention strategies. The data highlights a need for focused interventions to improve community safety and reduce the impact of crime on residents’ lives.

West Auckland, with a population of 2907, exhibits a concerning crime rate of 209.8 per 1,000 residents annually, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This breakdown reveals that anti-social behaviour is the most prevalent issue, accounting for 40% of all recorded crimes (83.9 per 1,000). Violence and sexual offences represent the second-highest category (28.7%, or 60.2 per 1,000), followed by criminal damage and arson (12.6%, or 26.5 per 1,000). Property crime overall is observed at 50.9 per 1,000, indicating a moderate level of risk in this area. Other theft accounts for 4.9 per 1,000, while burglary is comparatively lower at 5.8 per 1,000. The prevalence of these crimes suggests a complex interplay of factors impacting community safety.

Crime rates in West Auckland have been steadily increasing, showing a 6.8% year-on-year rise. This upward trend is reflected in the monthly data, with several months exhibiting significantly higher crime rates than others. For example, March 2025 saw a particularly sharp increase (28.6 per 1,000), followed by October (23.1 per 1,000). While rates have fluctuated month to month, the overall trajectory remains concerning, highlighting the need for proactive interventions and community engagement to address the root causes of crime.

How To Keep Safe in West Auckland

Given the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community vigilance. Thirdly, ensure your home is well-lit and secure, particularly during the darker months. Fourthly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Finally, if you are planning on visiting local establishments, consider travelling with a friend or utilising licensed taxi services.

Criminal activity in West Auckland demonstrates a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglary attempts are most frequent during the night (12am-6am), accounting for 20% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences are most likely to occur during the evening hours (6pm-12am). Theft is more prevalent during commercial hours (morning and afternoon), while other crimes show a broad distribution across all periods. Vehicle crime is notably higher overnight, particularly between 11pm and 6am, suggesting a need for enhanced security measures for parked vehicles.

Compared to neighbouring areas, West Auckland’s crime rate stands out. Evenwood demonstrates a much lower rate of 85.3 per 1,000, while Bishop Auckland’s rate is slightly lower at 178.4 per 1,000. Toft Hill and High Etherley, however, exhibits a significantly lower rate of 38.9 per 1,000, presenting a stark contrast. Witton Park has a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, indicating a considerably safer environment. These variations underscore the diverse safety landscape within County Durham and highlight the specific challenges faced by West Auckland.

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