Wheatley Hill Crime Rate

Wheatley Hill, a settlement in County Durham, has an overall crime rate of 204.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 58/100, compared to the national average of 78. Despite these high figures, the area is experiencing a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 8.0% year-over-year. The data reveals a complex safety environment where property crime is particularly prevalent, occurring at a rate of 103.2 per 1,000 residents. This context suggests that while Wheatley Hill is currently more active in terms of recorded crime than many UK areas, the overall volume of incidents is on a downward trajectory.

In Wheatley Hill, the crime landscape is primarily defined by three major categories. Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent reports, accounting for 25.7% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 52.5 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 19.3%, and shoplifting at 14.5%. These figures highlight a significant presence of both interpersonal conflict and property-related disruption within the settlement.

The broader property crime rate in Wheatley Hill stands at 103.2 per 1,000 people per year. This comprehensive figure includes burglary (6.2%), other theft (5.5%), vehicle crime (3.9%), and robbery (1.1%), alongside criminal damage and shoplifting. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a high prevalence of property-oriented offences compared to national norms. Protecting physical assets and maintaining vigilant home security are essential considerations in an environment where property crime accounts for a substantial portion of local police activity.

The crime trend in Wheatley Hill is currently on a downward trajectory, with a notable -8.0% year-over-year decrease in total recorded incidents. Monthly data from the past year shows some fluctuation, starting at a high of 24.1 crimes per 1,000 people in November 2024. Following this peak, the rate saw a significant drop to 12.4 in February 2025, before stabilising in the mid-to-high teens for the remainder of the year.

This steady reduction suggests that community safety measures or policing strategies may be effectively suppressing crime levels. However, the volatility seen in months like May and July (both at 18.6) indicates that residents should remain cautious. The overall trend is encouraging for those living in or moving to Wheatley Hill, as it suggests the area is gradually moving toward a lower crime environment, even if the current rates remain above national averages.

How To Keep Safe in Wheatley Hill

The most prevalent crime type in Wheatley Hill is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over a quarter of all recorded incidents. To enhance your personal safety in the area, consider the following practical steps:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or alleyways.
• If you are out in the evening, try to travel with friends or use reputable local taxi services. Ensure someone knows your expected arrival time.
• Trust your instincts; if a situation or location feels uncomfortable, leave immediately and head towards a public space or a shop.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or non-emergency incidents to the local police via the 101 service to help them build a better picture of local activity.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible, but avoid using it in a way that distracts you from your immediate environment.

Analysis of crime timing in Wheatley Hill reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. Property-related crimes, such as theft and shoplifting, are most frequent during daylight hours, with morning and afternoon periods each accounting for a significant share of these incidents (27-29%). This suggests that commercial activity and unoccupied residential properties are primary targets during the working day.

As the day transitions into night, the nature of crime shifts. Vehicle crime becomes notably more prevalent between midnight and 6am, accounting for 23% of incidents in that period. Burglary also remains a constant threat, with 22% of such offences occurring in both the afternoon and the late-night windows. These patterns indicate that while personal safety is a daytime concern due to foot traffic, property and vehicle security are most at risk during the quietest hours of the night.

When compared to its immediate neighbours in County Durham, Wheatley Hill exhibits a notably higher crime rate. Its rate of 204.2 crimes per 1,000 people exceeds that of Trimdon Colliery (161.5) and Shotton Colliery (144.2). It is also significantly busier than Wingate (133.9) and Thornley (104.3). This regional context shows that Wheatley Hill is currently the most active area for crime within this specific cluster of settlements. For those evaluating the region, understanding these local variations is crucial, as Wheatley Hill presents a more challenging statistical profile than its surrounding villages, despite the broader regional trends.

With a property crime rate of 103.2 per 1,000 people in Wheatley Hill, traditional security measures may no longer be sufficient. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma. In an area with frequent criminal damage and burglary, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS operating system represents a shift from recording to prevention. By utilising multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they escalate. Instead of just notifying you of a break-in, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to destroy the element of surprise. For Wheatley Hill residents, where property crime is a significant factor, scOS offers the ability to intervene in the critical seconds before a crime is committed, providing a level of security that traditional DIY cameras cannot match.