Middlesbrough Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2025, Middlesbrough recorded 2,055 crimes, translating to a rate of 13.2 per 1,000 residents—a figure 97% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This stark divergence underscores the area’s distinct crime profile, shaped by its urban-industrial character and historical economic challenges. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.5% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.0%), and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These patterns align with the area’s socio-economic context, where high concentrations of deprivation and limited economic opportunities may contribute to persistent issues in public safety. Seasonal factors also played a role: February’s winter conditions typically depress outdoor crime but may heighten tensions in residential areas, as seen in the 83% above-average rate of violence and sexual offences. The data also shows a notable absence of theft from the person, which fell to 0.3 per 1,000—100% below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, suggesting that reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours may have limited opportunities for such crimes. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting (39.3%) and drugs-related offences (27.1%) indicates that commercial and recreational spaces remain vulnerable. These findings highlight the combination of local demographics, economic conditions, and seasonal rhythms in shaping Middlesbrough’s crime profile.

February 2025 saw a 39.3% increase in shoplifting, with 170 incidents reported—a jump from 122 in January. This surge may be linked to the pre-spring lull, as retail activity often peaks during early winter months. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 46.4% (166 to 89), possibly reflecting reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for theft in colder weather. The breakdown of crime types reveals stark disparities: violence and sexual offences account for 32.5% of all crimes, significantly above the UK average for this category (83% above). Anti-social behaviour, at 17.0% of total crimes, is 127% above the UK rate, highlighting persistent challenges in community management. Theft from the person dropped by 33.3% (9 to 6), a decrease that may align with reduced foot traffic during February’s shorter daylight hours.

Middlesbrough's February 2025 crime rate of 13.2 per 1,000 residents marks a 2.9% decline from the previous month’s 13.6 per 1,000. While this small reduction may reflect seasonal patterns, the overall rate remains 97% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 73 crimes per day in February, a figure that underscores the persistent demand on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 76 residents—a stark reminder of the frequency of incidents in a population of 156,161. This monthly exposure rate, while not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, illustrates the scale of crime relative to the local community. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even modest changes in crime trends can have significant real-world impacts for residents, particularly in areas where crime is already concentrated.