Redcar and Cleveland Crime Rate

Redcar and Cleveland currently has an overall crime rate of 137.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. This high level of activity is reflected in its safety score of 70/100, positioning the borough below the national average safety score of 79. Recent data shows a stable trend, with total crime changing by only -0.1% year-over-year. This consistency indicates that while crime levels are high, they are not currently on an upward trajectory. Violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most reported categories. For residents, the property crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 is a major concern, as it is well above the national average of 32.3. The following analysis provides a detailed look at these figures to help residents understand the local safety landscape.

About Redcar and Cleveland

Redcar and Cleveland is a borough with a distinct industrial heritage and a mix of coastal, urban, and rural environments. These characteristics significantly influence its crime statistics. The area has a history of heavy industry and port activity, which, while providing employment, also creates pockets of industrial zones and high-density residential areas where crime rates can be higher. Its coastal towns are popular tourist destinations, leading to seasonal fluctuations in crime, particularly anti-social behaviour and shoplifting during the summer months. Demographically, the borough includes areas of significant economic challenge, which often correlates with higher rates of property crime and criminal damage. The high population density in towns like Redcar and Guisborough, combined with a transient tourist population, contributes to the overall crime rate of 137.1 per 1,000. Understanding these factors—economic transition, tourism, and industrial geography—is essential for interpreting the borough's safety profile and the prevalence of certain crime types like violence and anti-social behaviour.

Crime Breakdown in Redcar and Cleveland

In Redcar and Cleveland, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 30.8% of all reports, or 42.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also very prevalent, making up 21.3% of total crime. Criminal damage and arson follow at 11.1%. For residents and homeowners, property-related crime is a major consideration. The combined rate for property crimes—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is high at 48.9 per 1,000 people, significantly above the UK average of 32.3. Shoplifting accounts for 9.8% of all reports, while burglary represents 5.0% (6.9 per 1,000). This suggests that the risk of acquisitive crime and damage to property is a persistent challenge in the borough. Households should be particularly vigilant regarding burglary and vehicle-related offences, which together form a significant portion of the local crime landscape.

Crime Trends in Redcar and Cleveland

The crime trend in Redcar and Cleveland is currently stable, with a minor -0.1% year-over-year change in total reported incidents. Analysing the monthly data for 2025 reveals a fairly consistent but active pattern. The year began with rates around 9.9-10.1 crimes per 1,000. There was a notable peak in July, reaching 13.4, which often coincides with increased summer tourism and activity in coastal areas. Other peaks were seen in June (12.6), August (12.6), and October (12.2). The rate ended the year at 11.6 in November. This overall stability at a high level suggests that crime is a persistent challenge for the borough, but the lack of a significant increase indicates that current safety measures are holding the line against a further surge in activity.

When comparing Redcar and Cleveland to its immediate neighbours in the Teesside and North East region, the data shows a stark contrast. Nearby areas such as Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, Darlington, Sunderland, and South Tyneside all report negligible crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 people for this period. While this suggests these neighbouring areas are exceptionally quiet, Redcar and Cleveland appears to be the primary hub for reported crime in the immediate vicinity. Despite these figures, Redcar and Cleveland remains a diverse borough with many safe residential and rural areas, but the high overall rate necessitates a proactive approach to personal and property security for its residents.

Protecting Your Property in Redcar and Cleveland

With a property crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 people, residents of Redcar and Cleveland face a high risk of theft, burglary, and criminal damage. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard burglar alarms, are often reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an area with such high property crime, preventing the incident is far more valuable than recording it.

The scOS artificial intelligence operating system represents a shift toward proactive protection. By integrating with your home's cameras, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles via DVLA verification. Unlike DIY systems that rely on you checking your phone, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and speakers to deter an intruder the moment they cross your perimeter. This "preventative first" approach is essential for homeowners in Redcar and Cleveland who want to ensure that opportunistic threats move on to an easier target rather than attempting a break-in. In residential neighbourhoods, this level of professional-grade deterrence provides the highest standard of peace of mind, effectively stopping crime before it reaches your door.

How To Keep Safe in Redcar and Cleveland

Violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported crimes in Redcar and Cleveland. While many of these incidents are concentrated in specific urban or commercial areas, it is important for residents to remain aware of their surroundings, especially in town centres and popular coastal spots during busy periods.

To enhance your personal safety, try to plan your routes in advance and stick to well-lit, populated paths when walking at night. If you are visiting local nightlife, staying with a group can significantly reduce your vulnerability. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is well-lit and that any gates or perimeter fences are secure can discourage anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft near your residence. We also recommend using personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts. Given the high rates of shoplifting and property crime, business and homeowners should invest in robust, proactive security systems. By maintaining high situational awareness and taking basic precautions in public spaces, you can significantly mitigate the risks associated with the borough's most common crime types.