Heighington Crime Rate

Crime in Heighington

Heighington is an exceptionally safe urban settlement located within the Darlington local authority. It features an overall crime rate of 27.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This strong performance results in a safety score of 93/100, placing it well above the national average safety rating of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in criminal activity, with a 23.5% rise in reports year-over-year. Despite this upward shift, Heighington remains a highly secure area for its 1,546 residents. The following analysis details the specific crime types, timing patterns, and local comparisons to provide a comprehensive view of safety in Heighington.

Crime Breakdown in Heighington

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Heighington, representing 52.4% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 23.8%, followed by vehicle crime at 9.5%. These figures indicate that personal conduct issues and vehicle-related offences are the primary drivers of crime in the area.

Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at an exceptionally low rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This is far lower than the UK average of 32.9. Burglary is remarkably rare, accounting for only 2.4% of total crime, while vehicle crime stands at 9.5%. For homeowners, Heighington is one of the most secure locations in the country, though the high percentage of vehicle crime suggests that car security should be a primary area for resident attention, particularly during the evening and night hours.

Crime Trends in Heighington

The crime trend in Heighington is currently increasing, with a 23.5% rise in total offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data shows some fluctuation, with crime rates peaking in June 2025 at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Other active months included January, July, and October, all reaching 3.2.

In contrast, the area enjoyed much lower rates at the end of 2024, with November recording only 0.7 per 1,000. While the monthly figures show some variation, the overall annual increase suggests that crime in Heighington is becoming more frequent. For residents, this upward trend warrants a more proactive approach to local safety and security, even though the absolute numbers are still low by national standards.

How To Keep Safe in Heighington

The most common crime type in Heighington is violence and sexual offences. While the overall number of incidents remains low, personal safety and community conduct are the primary areas for resident awareness.

To stay safe in Heighington, consider these practical tips:

1. When out in the evening, stick to well-lit paths and be aware of your surroundings, especially in quieter residential areas.
2. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to local authorities; this helps the police identify patterns and manage public spaces more effectively.
3. Ensure your home is secure by checking that all doors and windows are locked, particularly during the afternoon and evening when theft risks are highest.
4. If you park your vehicle on the street, ensure it is locked and that no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime is the primary night-time concern.
5. Consider installing motion-activated lighting around your property's exterior to improve visibility and deter unwanted visitors during the hours of darkness.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Heighington

Crime in Heighington follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is a significant concern, making up 45% and 57% of incidents respectively. Vehicle crime also accounts for 32% of morning activity. Burglary risk peaks in the afternoon, accounting for 14% of crimes during those hours.

The evening and night periods see a shift in activity. In the evening, vehicle crime remains high at 38%, but miscellaneous 'other' crimes (including conduct issues) become more prominent at 29%. The night-time (12am - 6am) is particularly critical for vehicle owners, as vehicle crime surges to account for 67% of all reports during these hours. This suggests that while daytime crime is more varied, the night-time poses a highly specific risk for vehicle-targeted offences. Residents should ensure their cars are parked securely and, if possible, in well-lit areas or garages during the overnight period.

Nearby Area Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Heighington (27.1) holds an exceptionally strong safety profile. It is vastly safer than Newton Aycliffe (125.6), Shildon (180.7), and Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange (224.8), which all have very high crime rates. However, nearby School Aycliffe reports zero crimes per 1,000 residents, representing the absolute peak of local safety. This suggests that Heighington is a very secure oasis within a region that contains several high-crime urban areas. Heighington remains a premier residential choice for those seeking safety in the Darlington vicinity.

Proactive Security for Heighington Residents

With an exceptionally low property crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000, Heighington is one of the safest areas in the UK. However, the recent 23.5% increase in overall crime suggests that homeowners should be more proactive about their security. Traditional security systems—like basic CCTV—often only serve as a way to watch your property being violated after the fact. For residents who want to maintain Heighington's safety, a preventative approach is required.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it happens. By detecting threats at the property boundary in real-time, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or audio warnings, to deter intruders. With vehicle crime accounting for 67% of night-time incidents in Heighington, the ability to stop a threat before a car is targeted is vital. scOS's multi-camera intelligence learns your routines and only alerts you to real threats, providing a professional-grade security solution that traditional DIY cameras cannot match. Protecting your home with scOS means moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention.