Willington (County Durham) Crime Rate

Willington (County Durham) currently holds an overall crime rate of 125.6 per 1,000 people, a figure that sits above the UK average of 93.1. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 71/100, supported by a significant and encouraging downward trend in criminal activity. Over the last 12 months, crime in Willington has decreased by a substantial -22.4%, suggesting a marked improvement in local security. The property crime rate of 32.8 per 1,000 is almost identical to the national average of 32.9, indicating that while general crime is higher, property-specific offences are not disproportionately prevalent. This context suggests that Willington is a community successfully tackling its safety challenges and becoming a more secure place for its 6,227 residents.

Willington (County Durham) faces a notable crime challenge, with violence and sexual offences (36.8%), anti-social behaviour (24.6%), and criminal damage and arson (12.2%) forming the top three crime types. Property-related crime is a significant factor, with a rate of 32.8 per 1,000 residents, almost identical to the UK average. This total comprises 95 incidents of criminal damage and arson, 34 'other' thefts, 31 shoplifting offences, 19 vehicle crimes, and 18 burglaries. While the burglary rate is relatively low at 2.9 per 1,000, the high prevalence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that properties are frequently targeted for non-theft related damage, making comprehensive exterior security essential for homeowners.

The crime trend in Willington is exceptionally positive, with a significant -22.4% decrease in total incidents over the past year. Monthly data reveals a consistent downward trajectory, starting from a high of 12.0 crimes per 1,000 in November and reaching a low of 6.9 in February. While there was a slight seasonal increase in July (13.3), the overall trend remains firmly downward, with October recording just 7.9 crimes per 1,000. This sustained reduction is a strong indicator of improving community safety and suggests that local policing and community initiatives are highly effective. For residents, this means a rapidly improving safety environment and a lower risk of falling victim to crime compared to previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Willington (County Durham)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Willington, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. Maintaining personal safety and being proactive about property protection are essential for all residents.

• Stay Alert in Public: When walking through the town, particularly during the afternoon and evening when activity peaks, remain aware of your surroundings and avoid using headphones or mobile phones.
• Secure Your Property Exterior: Given the high rate of criminal damage, ensure that your property is well-lit and that any gates or fences are in good repair to deter opportunistic vandalism.
• Participate in Community Safety: Engage with local community groups and report anti-social behaviour promptly to help authorities address issues before they escalate.
• Protect Your Vehicle: Although vehicle crime is relatively low, always ensure valuables are removed and windows are fully closed, especially if parking on the street overnight.
• Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable in a particular area or situation, move toward a well-lit, populated place and do not hesitate to seek assistance.

In Willington, the timing of criminal activity follows a clear cycle. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 31% and 35% of incidents respectively. This is likely due to the concentration of retail and commercial activity during these hours. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences—surge to 68% of all recorded incidents. This pattern remains dominant through the night (12am - 6am), where 'other' crimes account for 54%. Notably, property-focused crimes reach their highest proportional levels overnight, with vehicle crime at 25% and burglary at 15%. This suggests that while the total volume of crime may be lower at night, the risk to unattended property and vehicles is at its peak.

In the local context of County Durham, Willington's crime rate of 125.6 per 1,000 people is slightly lower than that of neighbouring Crook (132.1). However, it is notably higher than Billy Row, which recorded a rate of 53.2. The very small settlements of Byers Green and Hunwick both reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, reflecting their much smaller populations and rural nature. Willington serves as a primary urban hub for these smaller villages, and while its crime rate is higher, the recent -22.4% decrease in activity shows that it is rapidly closing the gap with its safer neighbours, making it an increasingly attractive location in the region.

With a property crime rate of 32.8 per 1,000 people and a high prevalence of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, residents of Willington should look beyond traditional, reactive security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras only provide evidence after an incident has occurred, which is often too late to prevent damage or loss. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect potential threats at your property's boundary. Instead of just recording, scOS monitors all cameras simultaneously and can identify suspicious patterns in real-time. If an intruder or someone intending damage is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lights or audible warnings—to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise and prevents the crime from happening in the first place. For Willington homeowners, moving to a proactive AI-driven system like scOS is the most effective way to ensure their property remains safe and secure.