Sunderland Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Sunderland’s crime rate in December 2025 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 25.7% increase above the UK average of 7.0. This figure underscores the area’s continued challenges in maintaining public safety, though the month’s data reveals nuanced patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.1% of all crimes, a stark reflection of the region’s ongoing struggle with interpersonal conflict. Shoplifting and criminal damage also featured prominently, with rates 93% and 92% above UK averages respectively, likely driven by the commercial activity of the festive season and the presence of high-traffic retail areas. The seasonal context of December—characterised by long nights, holiday shopping, and the temporary absence of residents during the Christmas break—may have amplified certain crime types while suppressing others. For example, the decline in anti-social behaviour could be attributed to fewer late-night gatherings as households focused on celebrations. However, the persistence of shoplifting suggests that targeted interventions, such as increased patrols near retail hubs or enhanced surveillance, may be necessary to curb this trend. Sunderland’s position as a historically industrial city with a mix of urban and suburban areas means that crime patterns are shaped by both economic factors and the rhythms of daily life, making a multifaceted approach essential to addressing these challenges.

December saw a 35.6% decrease in burglary, with incidents dropping from 160 to 103—a shift that may reflect increased community engagement or improved security measures. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 31.1%, falling from 373 to 257, suggesting a possible reduction in public disturbances during the festive season. Vehicle crime fell by 20.8%, with 80 incidents reported compared to 101 in November, potentially linked to colder weather deterring opportunistic theft. Conversely, theft from the person rose sharply by 114.3%, increasing from 7 to 15 incidents, a trend that may be influenced by holiday shopping activity. Sunderland’s shoplifting rate of 1.1 per 1,000—93% above the UK average—remains a critical concern for retailers and local authorities. These shifts highlight both progress in certain areas and persistent challenges that require targeted intervention.

Sunderland's crime rate in December 2025 fell by 8.4% compared to November 2025, declining from 9.6 to 8.8 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with seasonal trends, as holiday-related activity and shorter daylight hours may have influenced patterns. Daily crime counts averaged 82 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of reported incidents in a densely populated urban area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 114 residents, a ratio that highlights the scale of exposure for Sunderland’s population of 288,606. When compared to the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, Sunderland’s rate remains higher, though the month-on-month decline suggests potential progress in addressing local challenges. This monthly exposure figure, while not directly comparable to UK-wide metrics, offers a local perspective on how frequently crime affects residents in a major urban centre.