Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
DH7 · County Durham
21
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
SR3 · Sunderland
132
crimes in February 2026
Near national average
Esh has less crime — 21 vs 132 incidents in February 2026.
Houghton-le-Spring recorded substantially more crime than Esh in February 2026 — 132 incidents compared to 21, a 6.3x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Esh sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (3), while Houghton-le-Spring has more Public order (13). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.
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 132 incidents. That is 84% 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 Public order. Overall, Esh recorded fewer total crimes (21 vs 132).