Heighington Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Heighington, a built-up area within Darlington, reveal a concerning trend. The area recorded a crime rate of 31.7 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. While this figure remains below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it reflects a significant increase, up 48.5% year-on-year. This rise warrants attention and underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to crime within the community and implementing preventative measures. This data paints a picture of a community experiencing rising concerns, demanding a proactive approach to safety and security.

The crime landscape in Heighington is primarily shaped by its close-knit community and rural setting, which, while generally peaceful, experiences crime trends reflective of broader regional patterns. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 46.9% of recorded incidents. This often stems from interpersonal conflicts and domestic situations, factors common across many residential areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 22.4%, frequently involves minor disturbances and public order issues. The prevalence of 'other theft' (10.2%) suggests opportunistic crime, possibly related to unsecured property or vehicles. While vehicle crime (8.2%) and criminal damage and arson (6.1%) are present, they are less frequent, and burglary (4.1%) is comparatively low, indicating a degree of security awareness within the neighbourhood. The relatively small population size means even a few incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per 1,000 residents.

Crime in Heighington has seen a concerning increase of 48.5% year-on-year. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a relatively low 3.2 crimes per 1,000 residents in January 2025, rising to 5.2 per 1,000 in November 2025. While December 2025 saw a decrease to 1.9 per 1,000, the overall trend remains undeniably upward. This suggests that factors contributing to crime are intensifying, requiring immediate attention and targeted preventative strategies. The volatility in monthly figures highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptable security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Heighington

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone. Report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately. Due to the elevated levels of anti-social behaviour, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community vigilance. With 'other theft' being a notable concern, ensure your property is well-lit and secured, and valuables are out of sight. Finally, be mindful of vehicle security; park in well-lit areas and consider using a steering wheel lock.

Crime in Heighington exhibits a distinct pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently committed during the afternoon (20%) and evening (20%), while vehicle crime is most common overnight (48% between 12am and 6am). Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening hours (0% during the day, increasing to 0% between 6pm and 12am). Theft demonstrates a spread throughout the day, with the afternoon (55%) seeing the highest concentration. This suggests a need for increased vigilance during these peak times and tailored security measures.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Heighington's crime rate presents a mixed picture. School Aycliffe demonstrates a remarkably low crime rate at 0.0 per 1,000, providing a stark contrast. Newton Aycliffe and Shildon, both closer to industrial areas, experience considerably higher rates at 121.0 and 177.4 per 1,000 respectively, while Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange exhibit a substantially elevated rate of 225.5 per 1,000, highlighting the diverse crime patterns across the Darlington region.

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