Wingate Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wingate’s crime profile in July 2023 reveals a notable shift in the balance between property and violent crime, with the latter accounting for 35.9% of all incidents compared to 23.1% for anti-social behaviour, the second most common category. The overall crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 13.3% below the UK average, a figure that reflects both sustained community efforts and seasonal dynamics. This built-up area within County Durham, typically marked by a mix of residential and commercial zones, saw a marked increase in violent crime—specifically violence and sexual offences—which rose to 14 incidents, the highest single category. This contrasts with property crime, which remained at 10 incidents, though this is still lower than the UK average for burglary and vehicle crime. The summer months, with schools out and tourism peaking, may have contributed to this pattern, as public spaces become more crowded and opportunities for certain offences increase. However, the data also shows a 20.5% year-on-year decline in the crime rate compared to the previous month, suggesting that local policing strategies or seasonal factors may have tempered the usual upward trend seen in July. While anti-social behaviour and criminal damage rates fell, the rise in drug-related incidents—doubling to 2 cases—raises questions about local pressures, though this remains a small portion of the overall crime picture. The interplay between these factors underscores the complexity of maintaining stability in a small urban area during peak tourist season.

July 2023 saw significant fluctuations in Wingate’s crime profile, with three categories experiencing 100% increases: burglary, drugs, and other theft. This marked contrast to the 35.7% decrease in anti-social behaviour and the 33.3% drop in vehicle crime highlights a shifting dynamic in local crime patterns. The dominance of violent crime—accounting for 35.9% of all incidents—was particularly pronounced, with violence and sexual offences remaining the most common category at 14 incidents. This 35.9% share of total crimes is notable, as it contrasts with the UK average for this category, which is 2.8 per 1,000 (6% below Wingate’s 2.6 per 1,000). The rise in drug-related offences, now at 0.4 per 1,000—82% above the UK average—suggests a growing concern that may be linked to increased summer activity or unmet local needs. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 35.7%, possibly due to targeted interventions or the absence of school holidays, which can reduce youth-related incidents. The balance between property and violent crime is also striking: for the first time this year, violent crime outpaced property crime, a shift that may reflect broader social trends or localized factors such as increased community engagement in certain areas. Residents might find the 100% increase in burglary particularly concerning, though the absolute number remains low at just two incidents, indicating that while the trend is notable, the scale is manageable.

Wingate’s crime rate in July 2023 dropped by 20.5% compared to June 2023, falling from 9.1 to 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, aligns with the typical seasonal dip seen in late summer months when tourism activity wanes and community routines stabilize. On a daily basis, Wingate recorded roughly one crime per day in July, a rate that is consistent with the area’s overall low crime profile. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 crime per 138 residents provides a tangible measure of the risk faced by individuals living in the area. This figure, while not alarmingly high, underscores the importance of community vigilance and local policing in maintaining this relatively safe environment. Wingate’s performance relative to the UK average is particularly noteworthy, with its crime rate remaining 13.3% below the national figure. This gap is partly attributable to the area’s lower rates of anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime, though it is offset by higher-than-average drug-related incidents. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Wingate’s residents face a lower likelihood of encountering crime than the national average, a factor that may be influenced by the area’s smaller size, community cohesion, or effective local crime prevention measures. These comparative metrics highlight the unique characteristics of Wingate’s crime profile and the role of localized factors in shaping its safety outcomes.