Middlesbrough Crime Rate

Middlesbrough Crime Statistics Overview

Middlesbrough presents a challenging crime profile with an overall crime rate of 180.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this high volume of incidents, the area maintains a safety score of 60/100, placing it above the UK average for safety (50) but below the typical residential benchmark of 79. The recent trend is described as stable, with a modest 4.2% decrease in crime year-over-year. For the 156,161 residents, these figures highlight a high-activity urban environment where certain crime types are particularly prevalent. Understanding these statistics is vital for residents to navigate the area safely and implement effective security measures for their homes and businesses.

About Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is a major industrial and commercial hub in North Yorkshire, characterised by its urban density and historical ties to steelmaking and chemical engineering. As a large local authority, it features a mix of high-density residential neighbourhoods, a bustling town centre, and significant transport links, including the A19 and major rail networks. These factors often contribute to higher crime statistics, as urban centres typically attract more transient populations and provide more opportunities for opportunistic crime.

The area's nightlife, concentrated around the town centre, and its role as a regional shopping destination also influence the prevalence of public order and shoplifting offences. Economic factors, including pockets of high deprivation and unemployment, can further impact the crime rate, particularly regarding anti-social behaviour and property-related crimes. Middlesbrough's status as a regional hub means that crime figures are often higher than in the surrounding rural districts, reflecting the complexities of policing a large, diverse urban population.

Crime Breakdown in Middlesbrough

Crime in Middlesbrough is primarily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.0% of all recorded incidents (9,049 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.5% and criminal damage and arson at 10.4%. These three categories represent the most significant challenges for local law enforcement and the community.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—remains a substantial concern for residents, with an overall rate of 60.6 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting is also notably high at 7.6% of total crime, reflecting the area's commercial activity. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 7.4 per 1,000 and vehicle crime at 8.1 per 1,000 indicate a persistent risk of property intrusion and automotive theft. These statistics underscore the importance of robust home and vehicle security measures to mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of opportunistic property crime.

Crime Trends in Middlesbrough

The crime trend in Middlesbrough is currently stable, with a 4.2% decrease in total offences compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a steady climb in activity throughout the year. The crime rate started at 12.4 per 1,000 in December 2024 and reached its peak in August 2025 at 16.6 per 1,000.

This upward movement through the spring and summer months is a common pattern in urban areas, often linked to increased footfall and warmer weather. While there was a slight dip in September and November, the overall monthly rates remained consistently higher than the previous winter's figures. This stability suggests that while crime is not rapidly increasing, it remains at a high plateau, requiring residents to maintain a consistent level of security and awareness throughout the year.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Middlesbrough exhibits a substantially higher crime rate. In this reporting period, surrounding areas such as Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Darlington, Sunderland, and County Durham all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people. This stark contrast positions Middlesbrough as the central hub for recorded criminal activity in the region. While the zero-rate figures for nearby areas may reflect different reporting boundaries or data collection periods, it underscores Middlesbrough’s status as a high-intensity urban centre where residents face a much higher statistical likelihood of encountering crime than in the surrounding boroughs.

Proactive Property Protection in Middlesbrough

With a property crime rate of 60.6 per 1,000 residents, Middlesbrough homeowners face a significant risk of burglary, theft, and criminal damage. In such a high-activity environment, traditional reactive security—like standard CCTV that simply records a crime as it happens—is often insufficient. By the time you receive a notification that a camera has detected motion, an intruder may already be inside your property.

Proactive protection is the only way to truly secure a home in a high-crime area. The scOS operating system uses advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. Unlike DIY systems, scOS can distinguish between a delivery person and a suspicious loiterer, initiating autonomous responses like engaging speakers or activating floodlights to destroy the element of surprise. For Middlesbrough residents, moving from a reactive "record and report" mindset to a proactive "detect and deter" strategy with scOS can provide the peace of mind that traditional security systems often fail to deliver.

How To Keep Safe in Middlesbrough

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Middlesbrough, accounting for nearly a third of all recorded incidents. In a busy urban environment with such high statistics, personal safety requires a proactive and informed approach.

Residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly when navigating the town centre or transport hubs. It is advisable to stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or parks after dark. Using reputable, licensed taxi services when travelling at night is strongly recommended. Additionally, anti-social behaviour is a significant factor in local life; avoid engaging in or escalating confrontations with groups. For homeowners, securing your property with visible deterrents and joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can help foster a safer community environment. Always keep personal belongings like phones and wallets secure and out of sight in crowded areas to prevent opportunistic theft. Reporting non-emergency incidents via 101 helps the police allocate resources to the areas that need them most.