Fence Houses Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Fence Houses, a built-up area within Sunderland, recorded a crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 58.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, the lowest in the area's recorded history, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local characteristics. Anti-social behaviour emerged as the dominant crime category, accounting for 40% of all reported incidents (6 cases). This was followed by violence and sexual offences (4 cases, 26.7% of total crimes) and other theft (2 cases, 13.3%). The low crime rate may be consistent with the area's post-holiday context in January, which typically sees reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor activities. Shorter daylight hours and colder weather may have further limited opportunities for property crimes, though anti-social behaviour persisted. The area's built-up nature and proximity to Sunderland's urban core could contribute to higher rates of anti-social incidents, linked to social interactions in communal spaces. Meanwhile, the UK average for anti-social behaviour (0.9 per 1,000) was 18% lower than Fence Houses' rate, highlighting a local disparity. Violence and sexual offences, however, were 68% below the UK average, suggesting that the area's crime profile differs from national trends. This may be partly explained by the absence of major nightlife hubs or high-risk environments typically associated with such crimes. The overall low crime rate, combined with the specific focus on anti-social behaviour, underscores the need for targeted interventions in community engagement and public space management.

January 2026 saw a 100% increase in 'other theft' crimes, rising from 1 to 2 incidents. This contrasted with steep declines in violence and sexual offences (-86.7%), shoplifting (-66.7%), and vehicle crime (-66.7%). The category of anti-social behaviour.1 per 1,000 residents, was 18% above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000, indicating a unique local challenge. Violence and sexual offences, at 0.8 per 1,000, were 68% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, a disparity that may reflect Fence Houses' built-up character and community dynamics. For residents, the absence of daily crime incidents offers reassurance, though the rise in other theft underscores the need for vigilance in personal property management.

Fence Houses' crime rate in January 2026 dropped to 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a 72.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.1 per 1,000. This sharp decline contrasts with the area's historical trends, though it aligns with broader seasonal patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 356 residents, a figure that places the area among the lowest-risk built-up zones in the UK. Daily crime counts averaged zero incidents per day, a statistic that may partly explain the area's perceived safety. When scaled to the population of 5,335, the 15 recorded crimes represent a minimal monthly exposure for residents, suggesting that routine activities in Fence Houses are unlikely to intersect with criminal activity. This low level of exposure, combined with the area's built-up nature, may reflect effective local policing or a naturally lower risk profile compared to more densely populated urban centres.