Darlington Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Darlington

Darlington, with a population of 112,489, experiences an overall crime rate of 119.0 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 people. The area holds a safety score of 74 out of 100, which is above the UK average safety score of 78/100, indicating a comparatively lower level of safety. In terms of trends, Darlington's crime rate has remained stable, showing a slight decrease of 1.3% year-over-year. This overview sets the context for a more detailed examination of specific crime types and patterns within the area.

About Darlington: Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

Darlington, as a significant market town and unitary authority in County Durham, presents a mix of urban characteristics that can influence its crime statistics. Its role as a commercial and transport hub, particularly with its railway heritage and connections, means there is a transient population passing through, which can sometimes correlate with certain types of crime such as theft and anti-social behaviour. The town centre, with its retail establishments and evening economy, naturally experiences higher instances of shoplifting, public order offences, and anti-social behaviour, especially during peak hours. Residential areas, varying from dense urban housing to more suburban fringes, face different challenges, with property crime being a consistent concern.

Population density in the more urban parts of Darlington can also play a role, as higher density areas often present more opportunities for certain crimes. Economic factors, including employment rates and socio-economic disparities, can also contribute to the overall crime picture, influencing rates of theft and violence. Understanding this blend of commercial activity, transport links, population dynamics, and economic conditions helps to explain why Darlington’s crime rate is above the national average and its safety score, while reasonable, suggests areas for continued vigilance.

Crime Type Analysis in Darlington

An analysis of crime types in Darlington reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 4,367 crimes, or 32.6% of the total. This translates to a rate of 38.8 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, with 3,085 reported incidents (23.1% of total crimes, 27.4 per 1,000 residents). Criminal damage and arson rank as the third highest crime type, with 1,450 occurrences, representing 10.8% of all crimes and a rate of 12.9 per 1,000 people.

When considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Darlington records a rate of 39.3 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 459 crimes (4.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 582 crimes (5.2 per 1,000), and other theft for 612 crimes (5.4 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of robust security measures, particularly against theft and damage to property.

Crime Trends in Darlington

Darlington's crime statistics indicate a stable trend, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.3% in total crimes. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The data shows a fluctuating but generally consistent level of crime over the past year. For instance, the crime rate saw a dip towards the end of 2024 and early 2025, reaching 8.3 per 1,000 in January and February 2025, before rising to a peak of 11.2 in May 2025. Subsequently, rates have shown some variability, settling at 9.8 per 1,000 in September 2025. This stable trend suggests that while there aren't significant escalating issues, residents should remain aware of the consistent presence of crime, particularly during months with slightly higher activity.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is useful to compare Darlington's crime profile with neighbouring areas. Darlington's overall crime rate of 119.0 per 1,000 residents is higher than the UK average. When looking at areas such as Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool, these urban centres often present varying crime landscapes, influenced by population density and socio-economic factors. County Durham, a broader administrative area, typically has a more diverse crime picture due to its mix of urban and rural settings. Redcar and Cleveland, another coastal and industrial area, may share some similarities in crime types, particularly property and anti-social behaviour. Sunderland, a larger city to the north, would also offer a different scale of urban challenges. Understanding these regional differences helps residents contextualise Darlington's crime data within the broader North East.

Enhancing Your Property Protection in Darlington

Given Darlington's property crime rate of 39.3 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for homeowners. It’s important to understand that traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, primarily record footage of a burglary after it has occurred. While useful for evidence, they do not prevent the crime itself. For those seeking genuine protection, a shift towards proactive security is essential.

Professional-grade, AI-powered systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by detecting threats at your property boundary before a break-in can happen. This multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, and can even catch fake vehicle plates instantly with DVLA verification. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts on real threats, avoiding unnecessary alarms. Its autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise, making burglars decide within 60 seconds that your property is too much trouble. While DIY systems have their place, professional security like scOS provides a level of deterrence and real-time intervention that significantly reduces your risk, offering true peace of mind against property crime.