South Bents Crime Rate

South Bents currently has an overall crime rate of 265.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 52/100, which is well below the national average of 78. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 1.3% decrease year-over-year. While the area experiences a high volume of crime, particularly in commercial categories, the stable trend is a neutral sign. The following breakdown provides more detail on specific crime types and when they occur to help residents and business owners stay informed.

In South Bents, the top three reported crimes are shoplifting (41.5%), violence and sexual offences (18.9%), and anti-social behaviour (14.6%). Property crime overall—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a very high rate of 154.4 per 1,000 people. This is far above the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is the most significant factor, accounting for over 40% of all crimes. Burglary makes up 4.3% of reports, and vehicle crime accounts for 1.9%. For residents and business owners, the data suggests that while violent crime is a concern, opportunistic property crime, particularly shoplifting and theft, is the primary local challenge.

The crime trend in South Bents is stable, with a minor 1.3% decrease over the last year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in December 2024 at 40.2 per 1,000, with other highs in April (31.7) and November (31.0). The safest month was October 2025, with a rate of 10.6. While there has been a marginal decrease in crime, the overall numbers remain very high, suggesting that the area's safety profile is a significant concern. For residents and business owners, this high volume of crime warrants continued vigilance and proactive security measures.

How To Keep Safe in South Bents

Shoplifting is the most common crime type in South Bents. For business owners, ensuring your store is well-monitored and that staff are trained in loss prevention is essential. For residents and visitors, always be aware of your surroundings in retail areas and keep your belongings secure. Violence and sexual offences are also a top concern (18.9%); to stay safe, maintain good situational awareness when out in public, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts through unpopulated paths. Anti-social behaviour is another significant factor here (14.6%); if you experience this, reporting it to local authorities helps them target their patrols more effectively. Staying connected with your local community through neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide an extra layer of security and awareness.

Crime timing in South Bents shows clear trends throughout the day. Theft and shoplifting are most common during the morning (52%) and afternoon (52%), likely linked to local commercial activity. As the day turns to evening, 43% of crimes fall into the 'Other' category, which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. Night-time brings a significant spike in property crime; 31% of burglaries and 28% of vehicle crimes occur between midnight and 6am. Interestingly, the afternoon also sees a high rate of burglary (23%), suggesting that homes are often targeted when they are most likely to be empty during the working day. These patterns highlight the need for consistent security throughout the day and night.

Compared to neighbouring areas, South Bents (265.1) has a much higher crime rate than Whitburn (72.2), Cleadon (36.7), and East Boldon and West Boldon (62.1). It is also significantly less safe than the main Sunderland urban area (128.1). This indicates that South Bents is a particularly active area for crime compared to its neighbours, likely due to local commercial or retail concentrations. For those living or working in the area, this means a much higher need for vigilance and proactive security measures.

With a very high property crime rate of 154.4 per 1,000 and shoplifting accounting for 41.5% of all crimes, South Bents residents and business owners should look beyond traditional security. Standard 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 crime occurs. In an area where theft and shoplifting are major concerns, scOS provides a powerful deterrent that stops criminals before they can act, ensuring your property remains secure.