Witton Gilbert Crime Rate

Crime in Witton Gilbert

Witton Gilbert, located in County Durham, is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of just 29.7 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area an elite safety score of 92/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a highly positive direction, with a significant 29.7% decrease in reported incidents year-over-year. For the population of 1,516 residents, these figures represent one of the most secure living environments in the North East. The data reflects a peaceful community where crime is the exception rather than the rule, providing residents with a level of security far exceeding national benchmarks.

Crime Breakdown in Witton Gilbert

Witton Gilbert maintains an exceptionally low crime profile, with the majority of reports categorised as violence and sexual offences, which account for 57.8% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 22.2%, followed by vehicle crime at 6.7%. While the percentage for violence appears high, it is important to note that the actual number of incidents is very low (26 crimes over a year) for a population of over 1,500.

Property crime in Witton Gilbert is remarkably rare. The combined rate for burglary, theft, and vehicle crime is just 4.6 per 1,000 people, which is nearly seven times lower than the UK average of 32.9. Burglary specifically accounts for only 2.2% of total crime, representing just one reported incident in the data period. For residents, this means that while standard vigilance is always advised, the statistical risk of property theft or home intrusion is significantly lower than in almost any other part of the country.

Crime Trends in Witton Gilbert

Witton Gilbert is experiencing a very positive downward trend in crime. Total reported incidents have decreased by 29.7% year-over-year, which is a significant reduction for an area that was already considered very safe.

Examining the monthly trendData, the crime rate remains consistently low throughout the year. Most months see rates between 0.7 and 2.6 per 1,000 people. There were small peaks in April, May, and September 2025, where the rate rose to 5.3, but even these "highs" are well below the national average. The most recent data from October 2025 shows the rate returning to a very low 1.3. This pattern of sustained low activity, combined with a sharp annual decrease, confirms that Witton Gilbert is maintaining and even improving its status as a high-safety area.

How To Keep Safe in Witton Gilbert

The most frequent reports in Witton Gilbert involve violence and sexual offences, though it is important to reiterate that the actual number of incidents is very low.

To maintain your personal safety in Witton Gilbert, consider these tips:

• Be mindful on quiet routes: When walking alone through the village's quieter lanes or towards the surrounding countryside, stay alert and avoid using headphones that might mask your surroundings.
• Share your plans: If you are out for a walk or returning home late, let a family member or friend know your expected arrival time.
• Trust your instincts: In a small community, you often recognise what is normal. If something feels out of place or someone's behaviour is concerning, don't hesitate to move to a more populated area.
• Secure your vehicle at night: Since vehicle crime is a persistent (if small) component of local stats, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or garage, particularly overnight.
• Participate in local groups: Engaging with community social media pages or neighbourhood watch schemes can help you stay informed about any rare local incidents.

Crime Time Patterns in Witton Gilbert

In Witton Gilbert, crime timing shows specific leanings towards the late-night and morning periods for certain types of activity. Vehicle crime is particularly concentrated, making up 60% of crimes recorded between midnight and 6am, and 46% of those recorded between 6am and 12pm. This suggests that vehicles are primarily targeted while parked overnight or in the early morning.

Conversely, the afternoon and evening periods are dominated by "other" crime types, which often include anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Between 12pm and 6pm, 56% of incidents fall into this category, rising to 50% in the evening. Burglary, while extremely rare, is most likely to be reported in the afternoon (26%). Overall, the data suggests that while the village is very quiet, the risk to property and vehicles is slightly elevated during the hours of darkness.

Nearby Area Comparison

Witton Gilbert stands out as a haven of safety when compared to its immediate neighbours. While Witton Gilbert enjoys a crime rate of 29.7 per 1,000, nearby Sacriston has a much higher rate of 111.3. Similarly, Nettlesworth and Kimblesworth (116.9), Ushaw Moor and Bearpark (104.9), and Langley Park (92.7) all experience significantly higher levels of recorded crime. This comparison highlights Witton Gilbert as a uniquely quiet and secure pocket within the County Durham local authority, making it a highly desirable location for those prioritising a low-crime environment.

Proactive Security for Witton Gilbert

While Witton Gilbert's property crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 is exceptionally low, the psychological impact of even a single incident can be profound. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or tried your car door. In a quiet area like Witton Gilbert, an intruder relies on the element of surprise and the assumption that residents may be less vigilant.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS offers a different level of protection. By identifying potential threats at the property boundary, scOS can intervene before a crime occurs. Its multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—can deter an intruder in those critical first 60 seconds. For homeowners in Witton Gilbert, scOS provides the proactive defense that matches the area's high safety standards, ensuring that "exceptionally safe" remains a reality for your specific property.