Sunderland Crime Rate

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a crime profile that reflects its urban nature. The overall crime rate stands at 114.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, the city maintains a safety score of 74/100, indicating a reasonable level of security for an area of its size. Notably, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 6.7% decrease in reported offences over the past year. This reduction suggests that ongoing safety initiatives are proving effective. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common reports, property crime also remains a key focus for local authorities and residents. The data presented here, covering January 2025 to December 2025, provides a comprehensive look at Sunderland's local safety environment.

About Sunderland

Sunderland is a major coastal city in North East England with a diverse landscape that influences its crime statistics. As a former industrial powerhouse, it now features a mix of urban commercial centres, high-density residential areas, and suburban neighbourhoods. The presence of the University of Sunderland and a vibrant nightlife in the city centre contributes to a transient population and late-night activity, which can impact public order and anti-social behaviour figures.

Economically, Sunderland has faced challenges but is also home to major employers like the Nissan manufacturing plant and various service sectors. Transport hubs, including the busy Port of Sunderland and various Metro stations, facilitate significant movement of people, which can occasionally lead to opportunistic crime. The city's demographic density and urban nature naturally result in a higher crime rate compared to rural surroundings, but the ongoing regeneration of the city centre and improved community policing are key factors in managing these statistics. Understanding these urban characteristics helps contextualise Sunderland's crime rate and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Sunderland

In Sunderland, the most frequently reported crime is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 33.8% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.8% and shoplifting at 11.0%. These three categories represent nearly 60% of total police activity, reflecting the challenges common to large urban areas with significant commercial and nightlife sectors.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, occurs at a rate of 42.3 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage and arson is the most frequent issue (11.2 per 1,000), followed by other theft and burglary (5.6 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, this means that while violence is the most reported category, property protection remains a significant concern. The relatively high rate of criminal damage suggests that visible security and well-maintained property exteriors are important deterrents against opportunistic vandalism and theft.

Crime Trends in Sunderland

The crime trend in Sunderland is currently on a downward trajectory, with a 6.7% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This positive shift is reflected in the monthly data for 2025, which shows a relatively stable but gradually improving safety profile.

The year began with a crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 in January, with rates fluctuating slightly through the spring. The peak of criminal activity occurred in May, with a rate of 10.5 per 1,000, often coinciding with the transition into warmer months and increased public activity. However, the latter part of the year saw a gradual decline, with December recording a rate of 8.8. This consistent year-over-year reduction is an encouraging sign for the city, suggesting that community safety measures and policing strategies are successfully reducing the volume of crime. For residents, this trend indicates that while Sunderland remains a busy urban area, it is moving towards a safer and more secure future.

When comparing Sunderland to its regional neighbours, it is important to note its status as a major urban hub. Sunderland's crime rate of 114.5 per 1,000 is higher than that of surrounding local authorities such as South Tyneside, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, and County Durham, all of which reported significantly lower crime activity during this period. This is typical for a central city area with higher population density and commercial activity. For those considering the region, Sunderland offers the amenities of a large city, but residents should be aware that this comes with a higher frequency of criminal incidents compared to the more suburban or rural parts of the North East.

Protecting Your Sunderland Property

Sunderland faces a property crime rate of 42.3 per 1,000, which is significantly above the UK average of 32.2. With criminal damage and burglary being persistent issues, homeowners must look beyond traditional, reactive security measures. Standard CCTV cameras, while popular, often do little more than provide footage of a crime after it has already occurred. In a city where opportunistic theft and vandalism are more common, the focus must shift to proactive prevention.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that transforms how properties are protected. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they can escalate. Whether it's detecting a suspicious individual at your gate or a vehicle with cloned plates, scOS can trigger an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—to deter an intruder instantly. This proactive approach destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Sunderland residents, investing in a professional-grade system like scOS means choosing to prevent crime rather than just recording it, providing true peace of mind in an urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Sunderland

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Sunderland, often linked to the city's busy urban centres and nightlife. While the city is generally safe for those who are aware of their surroundings, these tips can help enhance your personal and property security:

• Stay Aware in the City Centre: When enjoying Sunderland's nightlife or shopping districts, stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of your surroundings, especially during the late-night hours.
• Secure Your Home Perimeter: With criminal damage being a top issue, ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained and that any side gates or outbuildings are secured with high-quality locks.
• Utilise Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a smartphone app to share your location with trusted friends or family when travelling alone at night, particularly across the city's transport network.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Reporting ASB to local authorities helps the police identify hotspots and allocate resources to prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious crimes.
• Vehicle Security: Always remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure it is locked, even when parked on a driveway. Using a visible steering lock can be an effective additional deterrent in urban areas.