Rural Sunderland Crime Rate

Rural Sunderland currently has an overall crime rate of 101.7 per 1,000 people per year. This is above the UK average of 93.1, but the area maintains a solid safety score of 78/100, which is exactly in line with the national average. Most notably, the area has seen a significant increasing trend in crime, with a 22.2% rise year-over-year. This increase suggests that while the area is still considered safe, there has been a recent uptick in criminal activity that residents should be aware of. The following breakdown provides more detail on specific crime types and when they occur.

In Rural Sunderland, the top three reported crimes are violence and sexual offences (29.1%), anti-social behaviour (18.4%), and criminal damage and arson (11.5%). Property crime overall—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 40.6 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.9, which is notable for a rural area. Shoplifting and other theft also make up a combined 17.2% of all crimes. For residents, the data suggests that while the area is rural, it still faces significant property-related challenges, particularly from criminal damage and opportunistic theft.

The crime trend in Rural Sunderland is increasing, with a significant 22.2% rise over the last year. Monthly data shows the crime rate peaked in June 2025 at 10.9 per 1,000, with other highs in October (10.5) and August (10.3). The safest month was February 2025, with a rate of 4.8. This upward trajectory is a concern for residents and indicates that the area's safety profile is undergoing a notable change. Staying informed and taking proactive security measures is increasingly important in this environment.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Sunderland

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Sunderland. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when in more isolated areas. If you are out after dark, stick to well-lit paths and let someone know your plans. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor here (18.4%); if you experience this, reporting it to local authorities helps them target their patrols more effectively. For homeowners, the 11.5% rate of criminal damage suggests that keeping your property's exterior well-lit and secure can act as a strong deterrent. Installing motion-sensor lighting is a simple but effective way to improve security. Staying connected with your local community through neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide an extra layer of security and awareness, particularly in rural settings.

Crime timing in Rural Sunderland shows distinct trends throughout the day. Theft is most common during the morning (41%) and afternoon (45%), likely occurring in local shops or from vehicles during the day. As the evening sets in, 51% of crimes fall into the 'Other' category, which is often associated with anti-social behaviour. Night-time brings the highest risk for property crime; 34% of vehicle crimes occur between midnight and 6am. Burglary is also a threat at night (21%) and in the afternoon (20%), suggesting that homes may be targeted when residents are at work or asleep. These patterns highlight the need for consistent security throughout the day and night.

Rural Sunderland's crime rate of 101.7 per 1,000 is higher than many of its more urbanised neighbours, such as Washington (96.8), Shiney Row and Penshaw (69.8), and Fence Houses (74.4). It is also significantly higher than Springwell (27.1). This indicates that even less densely populated areas can experience higher-than-expected crime rates. For those living in the region, Rural Sunderland presents a unique safety profile that requires a proactive approach to property security.

With a property crime rate of 40.6 per 1,000 and an increasing trend in overall crime, Rural Sunderland residents should consider proactive security measures. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary. By monitoring all your cameras at once, it can identify suspicious behaviour and trigger autonomous responses—like lights and speakers—before a break-in occurs. In an area where criminal damage and theft are significant concerns, scOS provides a powerful deterrent that stops criminals before they can act, ensuring your rural home remains secure.