Sunderland Crime Rate

Sunderland's urban area is a bustling centre with a crime profile typical of a large UK city. The overall crime rate stands at 127.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 91.6. Consequently, the area has a safety score of 71/100, which is slightly below the UK average of 79. However, a positive trend is emerging, as crime in Sunderland has decreased by 6.1% over the past year. This reduction indicates that local safety measures are having a measurable impact. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common reports, property-related crimes like criminal damage and shoplifting are also significant factors. The following analysis, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, provides a detailed look at these statistics and the patterns of crime in the city.

Crime Breakdown in Sunderland (BUA)

In the urban area of Sunderland, the most frequently reported crime is violence and sexual offences, which constitutes 34.0% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.5% and shoplifting at 11.3%. These three categories represent a significant majority of police activity, reflecting the challenges typical of a high-density urban environment with a large commercial centre and active nightlife.

Property-related crime in Sunderland occurs at a rate of 46.5 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. Within this, criminal damage and arson is the most common concern at 12.3 per 1,000, while burglary and vehicle crime both stand at around 5 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this high property crime rate highlights the importance of robust security. The prevalence of shoplifting and criminal damage suggests that both businesses and residential properties are at risk of opportunistic crime, making proactive protection and visible deterrents essential for maintaining security in the city.

Crime Trends in Sunderland

The crime trend in Sunderland is currently on a positive downward trajectory, with a 6.1% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a relatively stable but fluctuating pattern of activity throughout the year.

The year began with a crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 in January, with rates increasing through the spring as public activity grew. The peak of criminal activity occurred in May, with a rate of 11.8 per 1,000. Following this peak, the rates saw a slight decrease but remained relatively high through the summer and autumn, with a second peak in October and August at 11.2. However, the year ended on a lower note, with December recording a rate of 9.5. This overall reduction in crime is an encouraging sign for the city, indicating that despite seasonal fluctuations, the general trend is towards a safer environment. For residents, this downward year-over-year trend highlights the effectiveness of local safety measures and the importance of continued community vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Sunderland

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Sunderland. While the city is a major hub with active nightlife, personal safety should always be a priority. Here are some practical safety tips for residents:

• Stay Aware in Busy Areas: When in the city centre or near transport hubs, especially at night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and be mindful of your surroundings.
• Secure Your Home Perimeter: Given that criminal damage is a top concern, ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained and that any side gates or outbuildings are locked with high-quality security.
• Overnight Vigilance: With vehicle crime peaking between 12am and 6am, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a secure, well-lit area. Avoid leaving any valuables on display.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Reporting ASB helps the police identify hotspots and allocate resources to prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious crimes.
• Utilise Personal Safety Apps: When travelling alone across the city at night, consider using a smartphone app to share your live location with trusted friends or family members for added peace of mind.

Crime Timing in Sunderland

Criminal activity in Sunderland shows distinct shifts in the types of offences throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are significant factors, accounting for 36% and 38% of reported incidents respectively. This indicates that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur during daylight hours when the city's commercial areas are at their busiest.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime changes significantly. The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'other' crime types, which make up 58% of all reports. However, the most critical window for property owners is between 12am and 6am, when vehicle crime reaches its highest intensity, representing a significant 30% of all incidents in that timeframe. Burglary also remains a consistent threat during the night, accounting for 22% of reports. This night-time spike in vehicle and property-related crime underscores the importance of robust overnight security measures for all Sunderland residents.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Sunderland's urban area has a higher crime rate, which is expected for a major city. Its rate of 127.0 per 1,000 is significantly higher than the suburban areas of East Boldon and West Boldon (57.4) and the quiet village of Cleadon (36.9). However, it is much safer than South Bents, which recorded a very high rate of 226.4 per 1,000. For those seeking a city lifestyle, Sunderland offers many benefits, but it is important to understand that its higher population density and commercial activity lead to more criminal activity than in the surrounding residential villages. The recent downward trend in crime is an encouraging factor for those considering the area.

Protecting Your Sunderland Property

Sunderland (BUA) faces a property crime rate of 46.5 per 1,000, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.2. With criminal damage and burglary being persistent concerns, residents must look beyond traditional, reactive security measures. Standard CCTV cameras and basic alarm systems often only notify you after a crime has been committed, leaving you with nothing but footage of the event. In a high-activity urban environment, the focus must be on proactive prevention.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to stop crime before it reaches your door. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats like an intruder or a suspicious vehicle. Unlike DIY systems, scOS can trigger an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—to deter an offender instantly. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars and vandals rely on. For Sunderland residents, investing in scOS means choosing a professional-grade system that prevents property crime rather than just recording it, providing true security in an urban setting.