Sunderland Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Sunderland

Sunderland, a prominent city in the North East, records an overall crime rate of 115.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Sunderland above the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. The area's safety is reflected in its score of 74 out of 100, which is slightly below the national average of 78/100. Encouragingly, Sunderland has seen a positive trend with a 6.2% decrease in its overall crime rate year-over-year, indicating an improving safety landscape for its population of 288,606. This section provides a comprehensive overview of crime data, offering valuable insights into specific crime types and trends within Sunderland.

About Sunderland

Sunderland is a diverse urban area, encompassing a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Its status as a port city and a significant regional centre means it experiences considerable movement of people, contributing to its dynamic environment. Major employers in sectors like advanced manufacturing, automotive, and digital technology attract a workforce from across the region. The city also features a university, a vibrant city centre with nightlife, and various transport hubs, all of which influence population density and transient populations. These characteristics can contribute to the observed crime statistics, particularly in areas with higher footfall and economic activity. Understanding these facets helps in contextualising the crime rates and safety score within Sunderland.

Crime Type Analysis in Sunderland

An in-depth look at crime in Sunderland reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 11,098 crimes, equating to 38.5 per 1,000 residents and 33.2% of all offences. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, with 5,178 incidents (17.9 per 1,000, 15.5% of total), and Shoplifting, with 3,452 recorded crimes (12.0 per 1,000, 10.3% of total). These three categories represent the most significant challenges for the area.

Beyond individual categories, property-related crime is a key concern for residents and homeowners in Sunderland. This broad category, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, collectively accounts for a significant portion of offences. Sunderland's property crime rate stands at 42.7 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 1,745 crimes (6.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 1,411 crimes (4.9 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson for 3,245 crimes (11.2 per 1,000). This elevated property crime rate underscores the importance of robust security measures for both homes and businesses in the area.

Crime Trends in Sunderland

Sunderland has experienced a positive shift in its crime landscape, with an overall decreasing trend reflected by a 6.2% reduction in crime year-over-year. Examining the monthly trend data provides further insight into this pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable dip in December 2024 and January 2025, both recording 8.9 incidents per 1,000. This was followed by a lower point of 8.1 in February 2025. Subsequently, there was a gradual increase into the summer months, peaking at 10.5 in May 2025, before stabilising around 9.7-10.2 in the later part of the year. Despite these monthly variations, the overall annual trend indicates an improving situation, suggesting that efforts to reduce crime in Sunderland are having an impact. Residents may find this trend encouraging, but remaining vigilant and aware of local patterns is always advisable.

Comparing Sunderland with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Sunderland's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. Sunderland's overall crime rate of 115.7 per 1,000 is higher than some nearby local authorities. For instance, South Tyneside and Gateshead, while also urban areas, may present different crime profiles. North Tyneside and Hartlepool offer further points of comparison, each with their own unique socio-economic factors influencing crime rates. Newcastle upon Tyne, a major city, typically exhibits higher crime rates due to its larger population and more extensive urban activities. County Durham, a more expansive and varied area, including rural and semi-rural parts, often demonstrates different crime patterns. Understanding these comparisons helps residents and businesses in Sunderland gauge their relative safety within the wider North East region and appreciate the specific challenges and successes in their local area.

Protecting Your Property in Sunderland

Given Sunderland's property crime rate of 42.7 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average, it becomes paramount for homeowners and businesses to consider robust security solutions. While traditional security systems like Ring or Nest cameras offer post-incident footage, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it occurs. This is where proactive solutions like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offer a significant advantage.

Instead of merely recording a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it by detecting threats at your property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify fake plates. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts on real threats, avoiding unnecessary alarms. When a threat is detected, its autonomous response—activating lights and engaging speakers—destroys the element of surprise, often causing burglars to move on within their critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment like scOS signals serious protection, positioning prevention as the ultimate defence against property crime in Sunderland.