Middlesbrough Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 156,161, Middlesbrough recorded 2248 crimes in February 2026 — a figure that translates to 14.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 125% higher than the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, placing the area in stark contrast to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.5% of all reported incidents (709 cases), with a rate of 4.5 per 1,000 — 94% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 17.2% (387 cases), with a rate of 2.5 per 1,000, 175% above the national benchmark. These figures reflect a persistent challenge in managing public order and addressing root causes such as socioeconomic deprivation. The third most prevalent category was criminal damage and arson (251 cases, 11.2%), a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 — 248% above the UK average. This suggests a pattern of property-related offences, potentially linked to the area’s industrial legacy and ongoing community tensions. February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, may contribute to these trends through reduced visibility and increased indoor gatherings. The high proportion of violent and anti-social crimes underscores the need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of vulnerable populations.

February saw a sharp 83.3% increase in possession of weapons, with the category rising from 18 to 33 incidents. This jump, though not uncommon in winter months, may partly explain the broader rise in violent crime, as weapons-related offences often correlate with interpersonal disputes. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson increased by 23%, reflecting a 251 incident total — a figure 248% above the UK average. This suggests ongoing challenges with vandalism or property-related conflicts in the area. Conversely, burglary dropped by 16.3% (from 80 to 67), and theft from the person fell by 50% (from 10 to 5), though the latter’s decline may be linked to seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic in winter. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 16.2% (333 to 387), a 175% increase over the UK average, pointing to persistent community tensions. These shifts highlight the combination of local dynamics, from economic pressures to seasonal patterns, that shape crime trends.

Middlesbrough’s crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to the previous month, rising from 14.2 to 14.4 per 1,000 residents — a 1.4% increase, though statistically negligible given the small margin. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 80 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent demand on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 69 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of 156,161 people. While this rate is consistent with the previous month, it remains starkly higher than the UK average, which sits at 6.4 per 1,000. This suggests that local factors — such as socioeconomic conditions or geographic characteristics — continue to play a significant role in shaping Middlesbrough’s crime profile. The daily crime count, while not directly comparable to national figures, provides a tangible measure of the burden on residents and services, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions.