Middlesbrough Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Middlesbrough’s crime rate stood at 14.2 per 1,000 residents, more than double the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This places the town among the most crime-affected areas in the country, with a stark contrast to the national profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.6% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). These figures highlight a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime and disorder, which may be influenced by the area’s socio-economic dynamics and historical industrial decline. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail activity—likely contributes to patterns such as the relatively low incidence of shoplifting compared to other months. However, the high rate of violence and anti-social behaviour suggests broader community-level factors, potentially linked to economic hardship or gaps in local support services. The crime rate’s sharp divergence from the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions, though the exact drivers remain complex and warrant further analysis of local conditions.

January 2026 saw a 66.7% increase in theft from the person, rising from six to ten incidents—a jump that could reflect heightened vulnerability during colder weather or post-holiday financial pressures. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 22.1% compared to December, suggesting tensions in public spaces may have intensified during the month. These trends contrast with declines in other categories, such as bicycle theft, which fell by 23.1% (from 13 to 10 incidents), due to seasonal reductions in cycling activity. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 4.9 per 1,000—96% above the UK average—highlighting a critical area for intervention. Anti-social behaviour also surged, with a rate of 2.1 per 1,000, 126% above the national average, indicating a need for community-focused strategies to address disorder. The data reveals a stark contrast between Middlesbrough’s profile and the UK’s, particularly in violent crime and public order, which may reflect local challenges such as economic deprivation or gaps in youth engagement programs.

Middlesbrough’s crime rate in January 2026 increased by 3.3% from December’s 13.7 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend despite seasonal factors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 72 crimes per day—a figure that, while local to Middlesbrough, illustrates the consistent pressure on residents and services. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 70 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of 156,161 people. This translates to a tangible risk for individuals, with a 1-in-70 chance of being directly involved in a crime over the month. While the UK average crime rate is 6.8 per 1,000, Middlesbrough’s rate is nearly double, suggesting systemic challenges that may require tailored approaches. The comparison to the UK average also highlights disparities in specific categories, such as violence and anti-social behaviour, which are significantly higher in Middlesbrough. These figures, when contextualised with the local population and daily crime counts, reveal a picture of persistent risk that demands sustained attention from local authorities and community stakeholders.