Skelton Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Skelton (Redcar and Cleveland) recorded a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents in August 2023, placing it 18.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, masks a combination of rising and falling crime categories, with shoplifting emerging as the most striking outlier. Shoplifting alone accounted for 23.8% of all reported crimes, far exceeding the UK average by 167% (0.6 per 1,000), a disparity that may reflect the area’s retail profile or seasonal influences. The local landscape, characterized by a mix of residential and commercial spaces, likely contributes to this trend, with summer holidays and increased foot traffic potentially creating opportunities for such offences. In contrast, violent crime—though still present—fell to 6 incidents, a 64.7% decrease from July’s 17, a shift that may be linked to the seasonal slowdown in nightlife activity or the closure of certain venues during the summer break. Anti-social behaviour, another notable category (16.7% of total crimes), remained below the UK average by 24%, suggesting that community-based initiatives or local policing strategies may be effective in curbing such incidents. The broader crime profile in August reveals a balance between property-related and non-violent offences, with shoplifting and public order issues dominating the breakdown. This pattern is consistent with other built-up areas in the North East, where retail-focused crime tends to peak during the summer months. However, the relatively low rate of violent offences compared to the UK average indicates that Skelton’s environment—shaped by its proximity to industrial zones or the absence of major nightlife hubs—may mitigate certain risks. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, further complicates the picture: while tourism may increase the risk of burglary in empty homes, the absence of such a surge in this month suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or existing security measures, may be counteracting these risks. Overall, the data illustrates a community where property crime remains a focal point, but where violent crime is subdued compared to national trends.

August 2023 witnessed sharp increases in shoplifting, public order, and vehicle crime, each doubling from July’s figures. This surge in property-related offences—accounting for 50% of all reported crimes—contrasted with a 64.7% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell to 6 incidents from 17 in July. Shoplifting, the most prevalent category (23.8% of total crimes), was 167% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), a disparity that may reflect local retail dynamics or seasonal pressures during the summer holiday period. Meanwhile, burglary rates dropped by two-thirds, from 3 to 1, a change that could indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes. The stark contrast between rising shoplifting and falling violent crime also highlights a shift in the crime mix, with property offences now dominating the landscape. For residents, the doubling of public order incidents—up to 7 cases—suggests heightened concerns over disturbances, which may require targeted community engagement.

Skelton’s crime rate in August 2023 (6.6 per 1,000 residents) marked a 16.0% decrease from July’s rate of 7.8 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend in local crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the ongoing presence of criminal activity. When scaled to the population of 6,392 residents, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 152 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, though modest, highlights the need for sustained community vigilance. Compared to the previous month, the shift in crime types—from a higher proportion of violent offences to a marked increase in property-related incidents—suggests evolving patterns that may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the timing of holidays or changes in local activity. The reduction in violent crimes, including a 64.7% drop in violence and sexual offences, aligns with broader seasonal trends observed in similar areas during late summer, where cooler weather and reduced nightlife activity may contribute to lower rates of such offences.