Middlesbrough Crime Rate

Introduction to Middlesbrough Crime Statistics

Middlesbrough, with a population of 156,161, reports an overall crime rate of 179.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, placing Middlesbrough's safety score at 60 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 78/100. Despite this, the area has seen a positive trend, with overall crime decreasing by 6.5% year-over-year. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed examination of crime types, trends, and local comparisons within Middlesbrough.

About Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is a large industrial town and unitary authority in North Yorkshire, England, situated on the south bank of the River Tees. Its crime statistics are influenced by a blend of urban characteristics, economic factors, and population dynamics. As a significant regional centre, Middlesbrough features a diverse urban landscape encompassing residential neighbourhoods, a bustling town centre with commercial activity and nightlife, and industrial areas, particularly along the river. The presence of Teesside University contributes to a notable student population, which can lead to a more transient demographic in certain areas.

Economic factors also play a role; like many post-industrial towns, some areas of Middlesbrough have experienced deprivation, which can correlate with higher crime rates. The town's role as a transport hub, with major roads like the A19 and A66 passing through, can also facilitate movement for individuals involved in criminal activity. Understanding these multifaceted aspects of Middlesbrough's environment helps to explain the overall crime rate and safety score, providing context beyond just the numbers.

Crime Type Analysis in Middlesbrough

The most significant crime types in Middlesbrough are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences account for 32.4% of all crimes, with a rate of 58.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows, making up 19.3% of total crime at a rate of 34.6 per 1,000, while Criminal damage and arson represents 10.2% of offences, at 18.4 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Middlesbrough stands at 60.0 per 1,000 people per year. This comprehensive category includes offences such as criminal damage and arson, shoplifting (13.5 per 1,000), vehicle crime (7.9 per 1,000), other theft (7.8 per 1,000), and burglary (7.5 per 1,000). Additionally, robbery (2.9 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.1 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.8 per 1,000) contribute to this figure. For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight the importance of securing personal property and being aware of their surroundings to mitigate risks from these prevalent crime types.

Crime Trends in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough has experienced a positive shift in its crime landscape, with an overall decrease of 6.5% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a dip in the winter months, reaching a low of 12.4 in December 2024, before steadily increasing into the summer, peaking at 16.6 in August 2025. September 2025 recorded a rate of 15.3, indicating a slight decrease after the summer peak. This trend suggests that while overall crime is falling, residents might observe seasonal variations, with potentially higher activity during warmer months. Understanding these patterns can help residents stay informed and take appropriate precautions.

Middlesbrough in Regional Context

Comparing Middlesbrough's crime statistics with its neighbouring areas provides valuable regional context. Middlesbrough's overall crime rate of 179.3 per 1,000 is higher than the UK average. When looking at areas such as Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Darlington, Sunderland, and County Durham, Middlesbrough stands as a significant urban centre within the North East. While specific comparative figures for these areas are not provided here, understanding Middlesbrough's position relative to these regional counterparts helps residents gauge local safety. The varying characteristics and demographics of these areas contribute to their individual crime profiles, offering a broader perspective on safety within the wider region.

Protecting Your Property in Middlesbrough

Given Middlesbrough's property crime rate of 60.0 per 1,000, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for residents. While traditional security measures like CCTV cameras can record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, offering a reactive response rather than prevention. For those seeking a more robust approach, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers proactive protection by detecting threats at the property boundary before a break-in can even happen.

Professional-grade systems are designed to deter potential intruders, making them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. scOS achieves this through multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning to distinguish between routine activities and real threats. Its autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise and prevent crime before it escalates. While DIY systems have their place, professional solutions like scOS offer a significant advantage by focusing on real-time intervention and prevention, providing a higher level of security for your property and peace of mind.