Wolsingham Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Wolsingham, County Durham, reveal a concerning trend. Over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 65.5 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment. However, the rate has increased dramatically year-on-year by 60.0%. While the overall safety score stands at a respectable 84 out of 100, the significant increase in reported crime warrants attention and proactive measures to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of the community. Understanding these figures and the factors contributing to them is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

The crime landscape in Wolsingham is shaped by its close-knit community and rural setting, although recent data indicates an increase in reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant concern, accounting for 42.7% of all recorded crimes. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (12.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11.5%). While burglary rates are relatively low (5.2%), the presence of other theft (9.4%) and broader ‘other crime’ categories (6.2%) contribute to the overall crime statistics. The property crime rate sits at 20.5 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average. Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for assessing the overall safety of the area.

Crime rates in Wolsingham have exhibited a concerning upward trajectory, increasing by a significant 60.0% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data reveals a fluctuating pattern, with a peak in reported incidents during June (7.5 per 1,000) and a concerning spike in November (10.2 per 1,000). Although December saw a decrease to 4.1 per 1,000, the overall trend remains sharply upward, suggesting a need for proactive intervention and community engagement to address the underlying causes of this increase.

How To Keep Safe in Wolsingham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to remain vigilant in public spaces and avoid walking alone at night. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Due to the presence of criminal damage and arson, securing your property with robust locks and alarms is advisable. Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings when out shopping, as theft remains a concern. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly – even seemingly minor incidents can contribute to a safer environment.

Crime in Wolsingham doesn't follow a predictable pattern. While burglary shows a slight increase during the afternoon and evening, vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am). Violence and anti-social behaviour are concentrated during the evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am. The afternoon sees a rise in theft, correlating with commercial activity. Overall, understanding these patterns and remaining aware of your surroundings at different times of the day is key to personal safety.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Wolsingham's crime rate presents a mixed picture. Tow Law has a significantly higher rate at 98.4 per 1,000, while Frosterley and Hamsterley report virtually no crime. Stanhope, another nearby village, has a crime rate of 49.7 per 1,000. This variability highlights the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding the specific factors contributing to crime patterns in each community.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics like those for Wolsingham, where violence and theft are significant concerns, underscores the need for proactive protection. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a different paradigm. Instead of just recording, scOS uses AI to detect threats at your property boundary – fake plates are instantly flagged with DVLA verification, and multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously. The system learns your routines and family, alerting you only to genuine threats. Most burglars make decisions within 60 seconds; the visible presence of scOS and its proactive deterrence often makes them move on. It’s about preventing the crime, not just documenting it.