Stockton on the Forest Crime Rate

Stockton on the Forest maintains a crime rate 58.6% below the UK average (37.7 per 1,000), with a safety score of 90/100. While drugs-related offences have surged by 200% YoY, the area remains significantly safer than most UK locations. The decline in overall crime (-6.9% YoY) contrasts with rising public order issues, highlighting the combination of local demographics and crime patterns.

Stockton on the Forest is a small built-up area within York, characterized by its rural setting and close-knit community. With a population of 1,433, the area's low population density and proximity to York likely contribute to its overall safety. The presence of local amenities and limited urban infrastructure may reduce opportunities for certain crimes, such as vehicle theft or retail-related offences, compared to larger cities.

The most surprising finding is the sharp 200% year-on-year increase in drugs-related offences, which remain 35% below the UK average. This rise may be linked to regional shifts in drug distribution patterns or increased detection efforts. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, have decreased by 12.9% YoY but still sit 41% below the UK average. This could reflect the area's lower population density and community cohesion, which may deter violent crime. Public order offences have surged by 133% YoY, likely tied to seasonal events or local gatherings. However, the area's property crime rate (7.7 per 1,000) is 75.9% below the UK average, partly due to its rural character, which may reduce opportunities for burglary or theft.

Crime in Stockton on the Forest has decreased by 6.9% year-on-year, with the most notable decline in violence and sexual offences (-12.9% YoY). However, drugs-related crime has surged by 200% YoY, the sharpest increase of any category. This rise may be attributed to regional drug distribution trends or heightened policing efforts. Public order offences have also increased sharply (+133% YoY), possibly linked to seasonal events. The monthly trend shows a peak in July 2025 (4.9 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by summer activities, followed by a decline in August and September. Overall, the area's low crime rates and decreasing trend highlight its status as a very safe community.

How To Keep Safe in Stockton on the Forest

Given the 200% YoY increase in drugs-related offences, avoid unlit areas near local amenities after dark. For vehicle crime (1.4 per 1,000), use secure parking in well-lit communal spaces. Since burglary peaks overnight (61% of all night-time crimes), ensure homes have visible security measures. Public order offences, which have risen sharply, may be linked to local events—stay informed about community gatherings. For anti-social behaviour (up 25% YoY), report disturbances promptly to local authorities to maintain the area's safety profile.

Crime in Stockton on the Forest is most prevalent during evenings and nights, with burglary peaking at 61% of all night-time crimes. This aligns with the area's rural nature, where unoccupied properties may be targeted during hours of low visibility. Theft-related offences are most common in the afternoon (57% of all thefts occur between 12pm–6pm), possibly linked to local retail activity. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (24% of all vehicle crimes occur between 12am–6am), suggesting opportunities for theft in sparsely populated areas. The area's low population density likely amplifies the impact of small-scale crimes, as fewer residents may deter opportunistic offenders.

Huntington (York) has a crime rate 130% higher than Stockton on the Forest (86.7 vs 37.7 per 1,000). This stark contrast may reflect Huntington's larger population and proximity to urban centres, which could increase opportunities for crime. Stockton's rural character and smaller community likely contribute to its significantly lower rates.

For Stockton on the Forest residents, proactive security measures like scOS can help maintain the area's safety profile. With property crime at 7.7 per 1,000 (75.9% below the UK average), scOS's AI-driven perimeter detection can deter burglars targeting unoccupied homes. Its ability to distinguish between regular visitors and potential intruders reduces false alarms, aligning with the area's low crime levels. The system's real-time deterrence features, such as automated lighting, are particularly effective in areas with rising vehicle crime (despite a 70% reduction in this category).