Middlesbrough Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For every 100 residents in Middlesbrough, 1.4 crimes were reported in January 2026, a rate 115% higher than the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This translates to a 1-in-70 chance of experiencing a crime over the course of the month, significantly higher than the national context. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences (34.6% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). These patterns align with Middlesbrough's status as a post-industrial town with a history of economic challenges, where community tensions and property neglect may contribute to higher rates of violent and anti-social incidents. Seasonal factors also play a role: January's shorter days and post-holiday retail quietude likely reduce opportunities for outdoor crimes but may exacerbate indoor disputes or substance-related conflicts. The dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically outnumber violent ones. This divergence suggests a local dynamic where social cohesion issues may outweigh typical urban crime drivers like commercial activity. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.4 per 1,000, but Middlesbrough's rate of 4.9 per 1,000 is 101% above this, pointing to a persistent challenge in addressing community safety.

January 2026 saw a sharp 66.7% increase in theft from the person, rising from 6 to 10 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights a vulnerability in personal safety during the post-holiday period. Public order offences also rose by 22.1%, from 136 to 166, suggesting heightened tensions in public spaces during colder weather. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 23.1% (13 to 10), potentially reflecting reduced outdoor activity or increased community awareness initiatives. The violent crime category remains 101% above the UK average, with 768 incidents reported—more than double the national benchmark. Anti-social behaviour, at 15.0% of all crimes, is 131% above the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of social issues. Other theft increased by 30.6% (85 to 111), which could be linked to seasonal transitions and increased indoor activity. These shifts in crime mix suggest a combination of environmental factors and community dynamics, with property-related crimes fluctuating in response to changing social patterns.

Middlesbrough's crime rate of 14.2 per 1,000 in January 2026 represents a 3.3% increase from December's 13.7, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, this equates to approximately 72 crimes per day across the 156,161-resident population—a rate that, while localised, underscores the frequency of incidents residents may encounter. Over the course of the month, 1-in-70 residents experienced at least one reported crime, a figure that contextualises the risk in tangible terms. When compared to the UK average, Middlesbrough's violent crime rate is more than double the national benchmark, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also significantly exceeding UK rates. This divergence is particularly stark in categories like public order offences, which are 168% above the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Middlesbrough's higher crime rates are not merely statistical anomalies but reflect systemic challenges in maintaining public safety. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot of immediate risk, the monthly exposure figure offers a broader understanding of how frequently crime intersects with everyday life in the area. These comparisons highlight the need for tailored strategies that address local-specific factors contributing to the elevated rates.