Wingate Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 5,391, Wingate recorded 59 crimes in December 2025, equating to 10.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 55.7% higher than the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, highlighting a significant divergence in local crime patterns. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (23.7% of total), shoplifting (18.6%), and criminal damage and arson (18.6%). These figures align with seasonal factors typical of December, including heightened retail activity, extended dark hours, and the holiday period, which may contribute to increased opportunities for property crimes and public order incidents. Wingate’s built-up character within County Durham—likely featuring a mix of residential areas, local businesses, and public spaces—may explain the prominence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which are common in areas with high foot traffic or limited surveillance. The relatively low proportion of vehicle crime (3.4%) suggests fewer car-related incidents compared to larger urban centres, though this may reflect the area’s smaller scale and lower commuter presence. The data also reveals a stark contrast in property crime distribution: shoplifting and criminal damage dominate, while burglary and other theft remain below the UK average. This pattern could indicate targeted vulnerabilities in retail environments or community spaces, rather than broader property crime trends. Overall, December’s crime profile underscores the influence of seasonal dynamics and local geography on criminal activity, with implications for community safety strategies during peak retail and holiday periods.

December 2025 saw sharp increases in drugs-related crimes (+200%) and criminal damage and arson (+120%) compared to November, with the latter category reaching 11 incidents—285% above the UK average. This surge in property crime may reflect seasonal factors such as holiday-related vandalism or frustration from empty homes during the festive period. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 50%, possibly linked to reduced public gatherings or heightened community vigilance during the Christmas season. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with 11 cases recorded—251% above the UK average—suggesting ongoing challenges in retail environments, exacerbated by the peak shopping period. Vehicle crime decreased by 33.3% (from 3 to 2 incidents), though this remains 8% above the UK average, indicating continued risks in local car parks or residential areas. The breakdown also reveals that violence and sexual offences (14 cases) were 1% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 3% below, highlighting mixed trends in violent crime. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk sectors, such as retail and community spaces, while also acknowledging the potential for positive outcomes from seasonal changes in public behaviour.

Wingate’s December 2025 crime rate of 10.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 25.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.7, reflecting a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that may seem manageable but underscores the frequency of incidents in a small community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 91 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the proportion of the population directly affected by crime. When scaled to Wingate’s population of 5,391, this translates to a significant portion of the community encountering crime at least once during the month. The comparison to the UK average also reveals stark disparities: Wingate’s shoplifting rate is 251% above the national figure, and criminal damage and arson are 285% above, suggesting localised challenges that diverge from broader trends. These figures may indicate a combination of environmental factors, such as the presence of high-foot-traffic retail areas or limited community policing resources, which could contribute to the higher incidence of property crimes. While the overall rate is elevated, the data also shows that certain categories—like anti-social behaviour—are slightly below the UK average, illustrating a mixed picture of local crime dynamics.