Monthly Crime Statistics

Middlesbrough Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Middlesbrough's crime rate in February 2023 reached 13.8 per 1,000 residents, 100% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35% of all crimes, the highest proportion in the dataset.

2,160
Total Crimes
13.8
Per 1,000 People
6.9
UK Average
0%
vs Previous Month

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For a population of 156,161, Middlesbrough’s 2160 reported crimes in February 2023 equate to 13.8 crimes per 1,000 residents—double the UK average of 6.9. This stark contrast underscores the area’s unique challenges, likely influenced by its industrial legacy and urban density. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (35% of total), anti-social behaviour (18.4%), and criminal damage (10.5%), all of which significantly exceed national benchmarks. This pattern aligns with Middlesbrough’s character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where high concentrations of population in certain zones may exacerbate social tensions. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may have contributed to higher indoor crime rates, though the absence of a pre-spring lull typically seen in other regions complicates this interpretation. The dominance of violent crimes, particularly in the 35% category, suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as public spaces or housing estates with limited community engagement. Meanwhile, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage could reflect underlying socioeconomic pressures, including unemployment or housing instability, which may be more pronounced in a historically industrialised area. These factors collectively illustrate a district grappling with persistent crime issues, requiring a multifaceted approach to address both immediate safety concerns and root causes.

February 2023 saw a stark divergence between Middlesbrough’s crime profile and the UK average, with violent crimes alone 95% above the national rate. This category, comprising 755 incidents, highlights a pressing concern for local authorities and residents alike. Anti-social behaviour, at 168% above the UK average, further complicates efforts to maintain community cohesion, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or social hubs. The dominance of property crimes—though lower than violent offences—still reveals a 56% gap compared to the UK average for vehicle crime, suggesting vulnerabilities in parking areas or transport networks. A concrete insight for residents: with 77 crimes reported daily, the likelihood of encountering an incident is higher than in many comparable UK districts. These figures underscore the urgency of addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term systemic factors contributing to the area’s elevated crime rate.

In February 2023, Middlesbrough recorded 2160 crimes over 28 days, translating to 77 crimes per day. This daily rate underscores the persistent demand on local policing resources, with no respite for residents or officers. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 72 residents, a figure that highlights the frequency of incidents in a population of 156,161. When scaled to the area’s size, this monthly exposure rate illustrates the challenge of maintaining public safety in a densely populated district. While daily crime counts provide a snapshot of activity, the monthly aggregate reveals a broader pattern: for every 1,000 residents, 13.8 crimes were recorded, significantly outpacing the UK average. This context is critical for understanding the lived experience of residents, who may encounter crime at a rate more than double that of the national average. The population-scaled perspective also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in areas where crime is concentrated, particularly in sectors like violence and anti-social behaviour, which dominate the statistics.

Crime Breakdown - February 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences7554.835%
Anti-social behaviour3982.618.4%
Criminal damage and arson2271.510.5%
Public order2041.39.4%
Vehicle crime1050.74.9%
Other theft990.64.6%
Shoplifting980.64.5%
Burglary740.53.4%
Drugs640.43%
Other crime590.42.7%
Robbery310.21.4%
Bicycle theft190.10.9%
Theft from the person160.10.7%
Possession of weapons110.10.5%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Middlesbrough

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 7 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month