Houghton-le-Spring Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Houghton-le-Spring's crime rate in October 2024 stood at 10.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 28.4% above the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety in this built-up area within Sunderland. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (33.1% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.4%) and criminal damage and arson (11.9%). These patterns align with the area's characteristics as a mixed-use urban environment, where high foot traffic and community spaces may contribute to disorder-related incidents. Seasonal factors played a role in shaping the crime profile, with October's shorter days and Halloween festivities likely influencing both property and violent crime trends. The higher-than-average rates for property crimes, particularly burglary (233% above UK levels), suggest vulnerabilities in residential security and potential links to the area's housing stock and community density. While violence remains a significant concern, the proportion of violent crimes (39 incidents) compared to property crimes (47) indicates a balanced but concerning mix of threats to personal and property safety. This context underscores the need for targeted initiatives addressing both immediate security concerns and long-term community resilience.

Burglary saw the most dramatic increase in October, rising 33.3% from 9 to 12 incidents. This surge, combined with a 33.3% rise in vehicle crime, suggests heightened vulnerability in residential and parking areas during darker evenings. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell sharply by 75% to just one report, a stark contrast to the previous month's four incidents. This decline may reflect seasonal shifts in activity patterns or improved community engagement. Burglary in Houghton-le-Spring is 233% above the UK average, underscoring local challenges in property crime prevention. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage remain high, with the latter being 103% above national averages. These figures highlight the need for focused strategies in addressing property crime and disorder, particularly as Halloween and shorter daylight hours create opportunities for offenders.

Houghton-le-Spring's crime rate remained stable between September and October 2024, with a 0.9% increase from 10.3 to 10.4 per 1,000 residents. This minor fluctuation suggests consistency in local policing efforts and community dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four crimes per day in October, a figure that aligns with historical patterns in similar built-up areas. Over the course of the month, 1 in 97 residents reported a crime, a ratio that contextualises the impact of crime on the local population. With a population of 11,399, this monthly exposure highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with significant variations in specific crime categories, which are explored in detail elsewhere. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible measure of how frequently crime affects residents, independent of daily fluctuations.