Sunderland Crime Rate

Sunderland is a major urban area with an overall crime rate of 114.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average of 91.7, but the city maintains a solid safety score of 74/100. Encouragingly, data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime in Sunderland has decreased by 6.8% year-over-year. The property crime rate is recorded at 42.5 per 1,000 residents, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, the overall downward trend suggests that safety initiatives are having a positive impact. This analysis provides a detailed look at Sunderland's crime statistics to help residents and businesses understand their local safety environment.

Sunderland's crime statistics are influenced by its status as a major urban and industrial hub in the North East. The city features a mix of densely populated residential areas, a vibrant city centre with significant nightlife, and large industrial zones, including the Nissan manufacturing plant. These factors contribute to a transient population and high levels of activity, which can influence crime rates. Economic factors, including areas of both regeneration and deprivation, also play a role. The city's transport links and regional importance as a commercial centre mean that shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent in certain districts. Understanding these characteristics helps provide context for the local crime data and safety scores.

In Sunderland, the most significant crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.8% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.9% and shoplifting at 10.8%. For residents and property owners, property-related crime is a major consideration, with an overall rate of 42.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Burglary represents 5.2% of total crime, while criminal damage and arson make up 9.7%. The high rate of property crime suggests that securing homes and businesses is a high priority for the community. Residents should be particularly aware of the risks of theft and vandalism, which contribute significantly to the local crime landscape.

Between December 2024 and November 2025, Sunderland experienced a 6.8% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. The monthly data shows that crime was highest in May 2025 (10.5 per 1,000) and September 2025 (10.2 per 1,000). The lowest rate was recorded in February 2025 at 8.1 per 1,000. These fluctuations suggest that crime in Sunderland can vary throughout the year, possibly influenced by seasonal factors or local events. Despite these monthly variations, the overall downward trend is a positive sign for the city's long-term safety. Continued focus on community safety and proactive security will be important to maintain this progress.

When comparing Sunderland to its regional neighbours, it's important to note that areas like South Tyneside, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Hartlepool, Newcastle upon Tyne, and County Durham all reported zero crimes in this specific dataset. This contrasts with Sunderland's rate of 114.6 per 1,000. While this might make Sunderland appear less safe, it's more likely a reflection of data reporting variations. In a broader context, Sunderland's crime rate is typical for a large, industrial city in the North East. For those considering the region, Sunderland offers a vibrant urban environment with a safety profile that is consistent with other major cities of its size.

Sunderland's property crime rate of 42.5 per 1,000 residents highlights the importance of robust security. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV, are often reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to detect potential threats at your property's boundary. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious activity and intervene before a break-in occurs. Its autonomous responses, such as activating lights or voice alerts, are designed to deter intruders in real-time. In an urban environment where shoplifting and criminal damage are notable, having a system that actively prevents crime is far more effective than one that just records it. A professional-grade system like scOS provides a high level of deterrence, making it clear to potential criminals that your property is well-protected. Investing in proactive prevention ensures your home or business remains safe and secure 24/7.

How To Keep Safe in Sunderland

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Sunderland, accounting for 33.8% of reports. Maintaining your safety involves staying vigilant and taking proactive steps.

1. When out in the city centre at night, stick to well-lit areas and try to walk with others whenever possible.
2. Ensure your property is secure by locking all doors and windows, even when you are at home, to prevent unauthorised entry.
3. Be mindful of your belongings in busy shopping areas to prevent theft, as shoplifting and other theft are common in the city.
4. Consider installing motion-activated outdoor lighting to improve visibility around your home and discourage anti-social behaviour near your property.
5. Engage with local community groups or a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any local safety issues and share information with neighbours.