Fence Houses Crime Rate

Fence Houses is a relatively safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 74.4 per 1,000 people per year. This is well below the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 82/100, which is higher than the national average of 78. Most encouragingly, the crime trend is significantly decreasing, with a 24.1% reduction year-over-year. This double-digit decline indicates that the area is becoming substantially safer. The following breakdown provides more detail on specific crime types and when they occur to help residents maintain this high level of security.

In Fence Houses, the top three reported crimes are violence and sexual offences (37.8%), anti-social behaviour (16.6%), and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). Property crime overall—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 24.9 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9, making the area relatively safe for property owners. However, vehicle crime is a significant factor, accounting for 7.8% of all reports, which is higher than in many neighbouring areas. Burglary makes up 5.8% of crimes. For residents, the data suggests that while the area is generally secure, vehicle security should be a high priority.

The crime trend in Fence Houses is significantly decreasing, with a 24.1% reduction over the last year. Monthly data shows the crime rate peaked in March 2025 at 8.6 per 1,000, with another high in October (8.1). The safest month was August 2025, with a rate of 3.9. The overall downward trajectory is a very positive sign for residents and indicates that the area is becoming substantially safer over time. This consistent reduction is a strong indicator of a safe and improving community.

How To Keep Safe in Fence Houses

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Fence Houses. To stay safe, maintain good situational awareness when out in public, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through unpopulated areas. Vehicle crime is also a significant factor here (7.8%); to protect your car, always ensure it is locked and that no valuables are left on display. If possible, park in a well-lit area or a secure garage. For homeowners, the rate of criminal damage suggests that keeping your property's exterior well-lit can act as a strong deterrent. Report any anti-social behaviour to the police, as this helps them identify hotspots and deploy patrols more effectively. Staying connected with your local community through neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide an extra layer of security.

Crime timing in Fence Houses shows clear trends throughout the day. Theft is most common during the morning (41%) and afternoon (47%), likely occurring in local shops or from vehicles during the day. As the evening sets in, 43% of crimes fall into the 'Other' category, which is often associated with anti-social behaviour. Night-time brings the highest risk for property crime; 49% of vehicle crimes occur between midnight and 6am. Burglary is also a threat at night (18%) and in the afternoon (19%), suggesting that homes may be targeted when residents are at work or asleep. These patterns highlight the need for consistent security, particularly for vehicles overnight.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Fence Houses (74.4) is significantly safer than Houghton-le-Spring (116.7) and Bournmoor (99.6). It has a similar safety profile to Shiney Row and Penshaw (69.8) and East Rainton (71.7). Overall, Fence Houses offers one of the most favourable safety profiles in the local region, and its strong downward trend in crime makes it an increasingly attractive place to live.

While Fence Houses enjoys a lower property crime rate of 24.9 per 1,000, the 7.8% vehicle crime rate and 5.8% burglary rate still warrant serious attention. Standard security systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. scOS changes this by offering proactive AI-powered protection. By monitoring your property's boundaries, scOS can detect suspicious activity and intervene autonomously—using lights or sound—before a crime occurs. This is especially useful for preventing vehicle crime, which often happens overnight. For residents in this area, scOS provides peace of mind by ensuring that your home and vehicles are protected by an intelligent system that prevents threats rather than just recording them.