Redcar Crime Rate

Redcar's crime rate of 137.2 per 1,000 residents is 50.5% above the UK average, highlighting significant concerns for residents. While overall crime has decreased by 10.5% year-on-year, violence and sexual offences remain 46% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges. Vehicle crime has plummeted by 58.1% YoY, an anomaly that may reflect pandemic-related changes or targeted policing.

Redcar is a coastal built-up area in Redcar and Cleveland, blending residential, industrial, and retail zones. Its proximity to the North Sea and a mix of older housing stock with newer developments likely contribute to varied crime patterns. Economic factors, such as industrial employment and tourism, may influence anti-social behaviour and property crime rates.

The most striking finding is that violence and sexual offences in Redcar are 46% above the UK average (46.9 per 1,000 vs 32.2), despite a slight annual decline (-1.1% YoY). This may reflect the area's demographic mix, including younger populations and transient workers, which can correlate with higher rates of interpersonal violence. Anti-social behaviour, though falling (-18.9% YoY), remains 104% above the UK average (30.2 per 1,000), likely linked to the area's density and proximity to nightlife hubs. Meanwhile, vehicle crime is notably lower than the UK average (2.5 per 1,000 vs 4.7), possibly due to fewer parked vehicles in residential areas or improved security measures. The sharp drop in vehicle crime (-58.1% YoY) may reflect reduced traffic during the pandemic or targeted police initiatives. Burglary, though falling (-25.4% YoY), remains 68% above the UK average, suggesting vulnerabilities in older housing stock or economic pressures driving property crime.

Crime in Redcar decreased by 10.5% year-on-year, with vehicle crime plummeting by 58.1% — a stark contrast to the UK average. This drop may reflect reduced traffic or increased security measures post-pandemic. However, violence and sexual offences remained 46% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges. Anti-social behaviour fell by 18.9% YoY, yet still exceeds the UK rate by 104%. The peak in July (14 per 1,000) likely correlates with longer evenings and tourism, while the lowest point in September may reflect seasonal changes in activity.

How To Keep Safe in Redcar

Avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark, especially near industrial zones where burglary rates are higher. Use well-lit routes when traveling and consider joining the Neighbourhood Watch initiative. Secure vehicles with alarms and visible locks, as vehicle crime, though falling, remains a concern. Report suspicious activity promptly to local police, who have an emergency response time of 13 minutes — meeting UK targets. Keep valuables out of sight in public spaces to reduce the risk of theft from the person, which is 83% below the UK average.

Crime in Redcar peaks during the night, with burglary accounting for 27% of incidents between midnight and 6am. This aligns with the area's older housing stock and potential for isolated properties. Vehicle crime, though lower than the UK average, spikes at night (19% of incidents), likely due to fewer patrols and higher visibility of parked vehicles. Theft peaks in the afternoon (39% of incidents), correlating with shopping activity in the town's retail centres. Other crimes, such as anti-social behaviour, are more evenly distributed but show higher rates during evenings, reflecting increased social interaction in public spaces.

Compared to nearby areas, Redcar's crime rate is 75% higher than Marske-by-the-Sea (78.3 per 1,000) and 117% higher than New Marske (63.2 per 1,000). Marske-by-the-Sea's lower rate may reflect its smaller population or less dense urban environment, while New Marske's lower crime rate could indicate more effective community policing or urban planning.

For Redcar residents, proactive home security is crucial given the area's 5.7 per 1,000 burglary rate, 68% above the UK average. scOS's proactive boundary detection can identify intruders before entry, reducing the risk of burglary. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification is also valuable, as vehicle crime, though lower than the UK average, may still pose risks in residential areas. Combining these features with automated lighting can deter opportunistic criminals, who often abandon attempts within minutes of detection.