Birtley Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 14,483 residents, Birtley recorded 120 crimes in December 2025, translating to a rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people. This figure places the built-up area 18.6% above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, a gap that underscores the need for targeted local interventions. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (43 incidents, 35.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (24 cases, 20.0%) and public order offences (11, 9.2%). These patterns align with seasonal factors typical of December, including the Christmas shopping peak, extended periods of darkness, and the potential for increased social gatherings. The high rate of anti-social behaviour—83% above the UK average—may be influenced by the area's built-up nature, where concentrated populations and limited informal surveillance can create conditions conducive to such activity. Meanwhile, shoplifting incidents (6 cases) were 30% below the UK average, possibly reflecting improved retail security measures or reduced opportunities during the festive season when stores are more likely to be staffed. The data also highlights a notable 100% increase in 'other crime' compared to November, a category that includes diverse offences and may require further investigation to identify specific contributing factors. The balance between property and violent crimes in December was skewed toward violence, with 43 violent crimes compared to 32 property-related incidents, a shift that could be linked to the holiday season's social dynamics and the impact of empty homes during the festive period. Overall, the crime profile of Birtley in December 2025 illustrates a combination of local characteristics, seasonal pressures, and national trends, necessitating a nuanced approach to addressing the most pressing issues.

December 2025 saw sharp increases in anti-social behaviour (+50%) and other crime (+100%) compared to November, with the latter category rising from 4 to 8 incidents. These spikes contrast with declines in drugs-related offences (-75%) and possession of weapons (-50%), suggesting shifting patterns in local criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 35.8% of all crimes, remained 17% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour—now the second most common category—was 83% above the national benchmark. Shoplifting fell 30% below the UK rate, a potential indicator of effective retail security measures or reduced opportunities during the festive season. The monthly data also reveals that public order offences, though lower in absolute numbers, were 82% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the impact of dark evenings and holiday-related gatherings in the built-up area.

Birtley's crime rate in December 2025 remained stable compared to the previous month, increasing by just 0.9% from 8.2 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents. This minimal shift suggests consistent patterns in local crime dynamics. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 121 residents over the course of the month. Considering the population of 14,483, this rate highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the community size. While the monthly exposure statistic provides a broad context, it is the breakdown of specific crime types that offers deeper insight into local challenges. For instance, the significant rise in anti-social behaviour and other crime categories indicates areas requiring targeted attention, even as vehicle crime and shoplifting remain aligned with or slightly below national benchmarks.