Darlington Crime Rate

Darlington Crime Overview

Darlington is a prominent local authority area with a crime rate of 118.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 93.1. The area currently holds a safety score of 74/100, placing it slightly below the national average of 78. Despite these figures, the recent trend in Darlington is classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease in reported incidents of 1.0%. This suggests that while crime levels are elevated relative to the national picture, they are not currently in a state of significant growth. The data that follows provides a comprehensive analysis of Darlington's crime landscape, including detailed breakdowns of offence types and long-term trends to help residents and visitors understand the local environment.

About Darlington

Darlington is a major market town in County Durham, serving as a significant commercial and transport hub for the North East. Its characteristics as a regional centre, with a busy town centre, extensive retail parks, and a major railway station on the East Coast Main Line, influence its crime statistics. The town features a mix of densely populated urban areas and suburban residential neighbourhoods.

The presence of a large transient population, drawn by employment in the logistics and manufacturing sectors, as well as shoppers and visitors to the town's nightlife, contributes to the volume of reported incidents. Economic factors common to large post-industrial towns also play a role, particularly in relation to property crime and anti-social behaviour. Darlington's role as an administrative and service centre means it naturally experiences higher crime volumes than the surrounding rural villages, reflecting its higher population density and concentration of commercial activity.

Crime Breakdown in Darlington

In Darlington, the most significant crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which constitute 32.7% of all reports, followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.5%, and criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. These figures reflect common challenges for large urban local authorities, where high-density living and busy public spaces can lead to increased interpersonal and social friction.

Property-related crime is a notable factor for Darlington residents and business owners. The combined rate for burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime stands at 38.7 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting is the most frequent offence (7.9%), followed by other theft (4.6%) and vehicle crime (4.3%). Burglary accounts for 3.3% of total crime. For homeowners, this underscores the importance of robust domestic security, as the volume of property crime is slightly above the national average, requiring a proactive approach to protecting assets and premises.

Darlington Crime Trends

The crime trend in Darlington is currently stable, with a marginal 1.0% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. An analysis of the monthly trendData reveals that crime rates fluctuated throughout 2024 and 2025. The highest rates were observed in the spring and summer months, with peaks in May 2025 (11.2 per 1,000) and April 2025 (11.0 per 1,000).

Conversely, the lowest crime rates were recorded in the winter, specifically in January and February 2025, both at 8.3 per 1,000 people. This seasonal pattern, where crime often increases as the weather warms and people spend more time in public spaces, is typical for major urban areas. For residents, this stability suggests a predictable environment, but the seasonal peaks indicate times when extra vigilance regarding personal and property security may be beneficial.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context of the North East, Darlington's crime rate of 118.8 per 1,000 people stands in contrast to several neighbouring areas. In this data set, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, County Durham, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, and Sunderland all show significantly lower or near-zero recorded rates for the same period. This discrepancy often arises from how different local authorities and police forces categorise and report data within specific boundaries. However, it highlights Darlington's position as a concentrated hub of activity where reported incidents are more frequent than in the wider, more varied landscapes of its neighbouring districts. For those considering the region, Darlington represents a busy urban centre with the associated statistical profile.

Proactive Security in Darlington

Darlington's property crime rate of 38.7 per 1,000 people highlights a clear need for effective home security. In a busy urban environment, traditional security measures like basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras are often reactive; they tell you that a crime has happened, but they rarely stop it. Most burglars make a decision to target a property in under a minute, and if they only see a recording device, they may still proceed, knowing they can obscure their identity.

The scOS home security operating system changes this dynamic by focusing on proactive protection. By utilising AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying threats before they reach your door. Unlike DIY systems that merely send a notification to your phone while you may be asleep or away, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as engaging lights or speakers—to deter an intruder instantly. For Darlington residents, this means moving beyond simple evidence gathering to a system that actively prevents crime, providing a much higher level of security for both property and family.

How To Keep Safe in Darlington

The most frequent crime type in the Darlington local authority area is violence and sexual offences. While this is a broad category, personal safety and awareness in public spaces are paramount for residents.

To stay safe in Darlington, consider the following regional advice:

• When visiting the town centre or using public transport hubs, especially during evening hours, remain vigilant and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
• Plan your journeys in advance and use reputable taxi services if you are out late at night.
• If you are a victim of or witness to anti-social behaviour, which is the second highest crime type here, report it promptly to the local authorities to help them allocate resources effectively.
• Ensure your home is secure by checking that all windows and doors are locked before leaving or retiring for the night, as criminal damage often accompanies other offences.
• Consider joining or forming a local Neighbourhood Watch group to stay informed about specific issues in your immediate community and to foster a collective approach to safety.