Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
DH7 · County Durham
21
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
DH4 · Sunderland
86
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Esh has less crime — 21 vs 86 incidents in February 2026.
Houghton-le-Spring recorded substantially more crime than Esh in February 2026 — 86 incidents compared to 21, a 4.1x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Esh sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (3), while Houghton-le-Spring has more Shoplifting (11). Both areas sit below the national average for recorded crime — a positive sign for either location.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Esh recorded fewer crimes than Houghton-le-Spring — 21 vs 86 incidents. That is 76% fewer crimes. Esh is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Esh saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Houghton-le-Spring had more Shoplifting. Overall, Esh recorded fewer total crimes (21 vs 86).