Stockton-on-Tees Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Stockton-on-Tees reveal a concerning picture, with a rate of 128.5 crimes per 1,000 residents over the period Feb 2025 to Jan 2026. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, placing Stockton-on-Tees among the areas with the highest crime rates in the country. While the trend remains stable with a 3.9% year-on-year change, the high prevalence of certain crime types warrants attention. Understanding these figures and the factors that contribute to them is crucial for residents and stakeholders alike. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, alongside practical advice for staying safe and secure within the community.

Stockton-on-Tees is a large Local Authority District in the North East of England, encompassing a diverse mix of urban and rural environments. The area's population of 206,800 is spread across several towns and villages, each with its own distinct character. The presence of industrial heritage, combined with ongoing regeneration projects, contributes to the area's social and economic landscape. Demographic factors, including age distribution and levels of deprivation in certain neighbourhoods, can influence crime patterns. Proximity to major transport links and the area's role as a regional hub also impact the types and frequency of reported crimes. The district exhibits significant variation in crime rates between different areas; for example, Longnewton reports a much lower crime rate than areas like Thornaby-on-Tees or the wider rural Stockton-on-Tees region.

An analysis of crime data reveals concerning trends in Stockton-on-Tees. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 8,990 crimes, or 43.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is 35% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also remains a persistent issue, with 5,116 incidents per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 67%. Shoplifting contributes significantly to overall crime, with a rate of 2,623 incidents per 1,000, 9.9% above the UK average. Property crime, encompassing offences like criminal damage and arson, is also elevated compared to the national average, with 2,297 reported incidents. Robbery, while less frequent than other categories, has seen a significant increase of 45.6% year-on-year, indicating a potential escalation in risk for residents.

Crime in Stockton-on-Tees has remained stable with a 3.9% year-on-year change between Feb 2025 and Jan 2026. While this indicates a lack of significant upward or downward trends overall, closer examination reveals varying patterns across specific crime categories. Monthly data shows a peak in January 2026, with 12.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, compared to a low of 8.6 in February 2025. This fluctuation underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive security measures.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Stockton-on-Tees's crime rate of 128.5 per 1,000 is higher than Sunderland (108.8 per 1,000) but lower than Middlesbrough (182.8 per 1,000). Hartlepool, Darlington, and Redcar and Cleveland also have higher crime rates than Stockton-on-Tees. Understanding these comparisons can provide context for assessing the relative safety of the area.

Traditional CCTV systems provide recordings after a crime has occurred. However, a more proactive approach is crucial in an area with Stockton-on-Tees’s crime statistics. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a different level of protection. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS proactively detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification. The element of surprise is destroyed when potential intruders are deterred by visible scOS technology, often leading them to move on before any crime can be committed. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy – they move on.

How To Keep Safe in Stockton-on-Tees

Given the high prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's essential to remain vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit routes. Anti-social behaviour is also a concern, so be mindful of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Protecting your property from burglary requires robust security measures, such as installing secure locks and an alarm system. Finally, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and collective responsibility for safety.