Monthly Crime Statistics

Sunderland Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Sunderland recorded a crime rate of 11.2 per 1,000 residents, 40% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and violence were the most reported crimes, with a notable 76.2% increase in bicycle theft.

3,235
Total Crimes
11.2
Per 1,000 People
8
UK Average
-5.1%
vs Previous Month

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In October 2023, Sunderland's crime rate of 11.2 per 1,000 residents placed it 40% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's persistent challenge with crime, though the composition of incidents reveals a nuanced picture. Property crimes, accounting for 35.8% of total incidents (1159 cases), slightly outpaced violent crimes (30.0%, 970 cases), but both categories exceeded UK averages. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with 3.4 per 1,000 residents, 26% above the UK rate. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.6 per 1,000, was 103% above the UK average, reflecting the complexities of managing public order in an urban setting. Seasonal factors, such as the end of British Summer Time and the approach of Halloween, may have influenced patterns, with darker evenings potentially increasing opportunities for anti-social behaviour and property crime. The city's historical and economic context—rooted in industry and facing ongoing regeneration efforts—likely contributes to these dynamics. The balance between property and violent crime highlights the need for tailored policing strategies, as well as community engagement to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour. This month's statistics, while concerning, provide a foundation for targeted interventions in the coming months.

October 2023 saw a 76.2% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 21 to 37 incidents. This surge may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the return of cycling during darker evenings or increased activity in local parks and recreational areas. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 26.7%, dropping from 15 to 11 incidents, a shift that could indicate improved policing in high-risk zones or a natural decline in opportunistic crimes during the month. The crime mix in Sunderland remained weighted toward property crimes, with 1159 incidents compared to 970 violent crimes, though the latter category still exceeded UK averages by 26% for violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.6 per 1,000, was 103% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's urban character and the challenges of managing public spaces in a city with a history of industrial decline. These trends highlight the need for community-focused strategies to address both property and violent crime.

Sunderland's crime rate in October 2023 stood at 11.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 5.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 11.8 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, suggests a possible stabilisation in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 104 crimes per day, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not include UK-wide comparisons. When viewed through the lens of monthly exposure, 1 in every 89 residents in Sunderland experienced a reported crime during October, highlighting the frequency of incidents within the community. This statistic underscores the need for continued local vigilance and resource allocation. The population context further illustrates that, with 288,606 residents, the scale of crime is significant, necessitating targeted interventions. The slight reduction from the previous month may reflect seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings, which could influence both crime types and police visibility.

Crime Breakdown - October 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences9703.430%
Anti-social behaviour7352.622.7%
Criminal damage and arson3741.311.6%
Shoplifting2630.98.1%
Public order2280.87.1%
Other theft1890.75.8%
Vehicle crime1570.54.9%
Burglary1120.43.5%
Other crime630.22%
Drugs560.21.7%
Bicycle theft370.11.1%
Possession of weapons240.10.7%
Theft from the person160.10.5%
Robbery1100.3%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Sunderland

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 5 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month