Houghton-le-Spring Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Houghton-le-Spring’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 60.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures underscores the area’s relatively safe environment, though specific crime categories reveal pockets of concern. Anti-social behaviour was the most common reported offence, accounting for 25.8% of all incidents, followed by burglary (19.4%) and violence and sexual offences (16.1%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours—likely contributed to the overall low crime rate, particularly for outdoor offences. However, the data also highlights an anomaly: burglary rates in Houghton-le-Spring were 79% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect local socioeconomic factors or unmet policing needs. The low levels of violent crime, with rates 84% below the UK average, could be attributed to the area’s character as a built-up district within Sunderland, where community cohesion and local governance may play a role in deterring such offences. The absence of major spikes in property crime, aside from burglary, suggests that targeted efforts in this category could further improve the area’s safety profile. While the overall figures are encouraging, the above-average burglary rate indicates a need for tailored strategies to address this specific issue, ensuring that Houghton-le-Spring maintains its position as a low-crime area.

January 2026 saw significant shifts in crime patterns within Houghton-le-Spring. Possession of weapons and robbery both increased by 100%, rising from zero to one incident each. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may signal emerging trends that warrant closer attention. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 85.3%, from 34 to 5 incidents, a dramatic reduction that could reflect seasonal factors or successful community initiatives. Shoplifting also fell sharply by 75%, from 16 to 4, linked to reduced retail footfall during the post-holiday period. Burglary remains a standout concern: at 0.5 per 1,000, it is 79% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. This divergence highlights the need for targeted measures, given the area’s relatively low overall crime rate. For residents, the decrease in drug-related crimes—down 75% from 4 to 1—offers a positive sign, though the small numbers mean caution is still warranted.

Houghton-le-Spring’s crime rate in January 2026 fell sharply to 2.7 per 1,000 residents, a 68.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.5 per 1,000. This represents a marked shift in the local crime picture, with daily crime activity averaging just one reported incident per day over the month. On a monthly scale, this equates to one crime for every 368 residents, a figure that contextualises the overall safety of the area. When compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, Houghton-le-Spring remains significantly safer, though the local data reveals nuanced trends. For instance, burglary rates in the area are 79% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability. This contrast underscores the importance of tailoring local responses to crime rather than relying on national benchmarks. The population context further clarifies the scale: with 11,399 residents, the low crime rate suggests effective community policing or environmental factors that deter criminal activity. However, the rise in possession of weapons and robbery—both increasing by 100%—indicates emerging challenges that may require targeted interventions.