Billingham Crime Rate

Billingham’s crime rate of 110.6 per 1,000 residents is 21% above the UK average, with property crime driving much of the disparity. While shoplifting is 19% below the national average, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are notably elevated. The area’s stability overall masks sharp increases in theft from the person, which has risen by 200% YoY.

Billingham is a built-up area within Stockton-on-Tees, characterised by a mix of residential, industrial, and retail zones. Its proximity to major transport routes and a diverse population contribute to its crime profile. The area’s economic reliance on manufacturing and logistics may influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and property crime, while its retail centres likely contribute to shoplifting trends.

Billingham’s most surprising finding is that shoplifting is 19% below the UK average, despite the area’s retail density. This may reflect local policing efforts or community engagement initiatives. Conversely, anti-social behaviour (39% above UK average) and criminal damage (78% above) are notably elevated, likely driven by transient populations in industrial zones. The sharp 200% YoY rise in theft from the person—though still below UK average—suggests emerging vulnerabilities, possibly linked to underlit public spaces or increased foot traffic in specific areas.

Billingham’s crime rate has remained stable (-4.7% YoY), but the 200% increase in theft from the person stands out. This spike likely reflects seasonal patterns, with longer evenings in summer (peaking in August) creating more opportunities for opportunistic crime. Vehicle crime has fallen by 31.8% YoY, possibly due to improved security measures or reduced commuter traffic. Conversely, drugs and robbery have risen by 53% and 54% YoY respectively, suggesting emerging trends in local drug markets.

How To Keep Safe in Billingham

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, especially after dark, given the 200% YoY rise in theft from the person. Secure vehicles with alarms and tracking devices, as vehicle crime peaks overnight. For property, use scOS’s perimeter detection and motion sensors to deter burglars, which are 98% higher than the UK average. Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as it is 39% above the UK average and often precedes more serious crimes.

Crime in Billingham peaks during evening and night hours, with vehicle crime surging between midnight and 6am (28% of night-time incidents). This aligns with the area’s industrial activity and sparse nighttime foot traffic. Theft, however, peaks in the afternoon (38% of afternoon crimes), likely tied to retail activity and commuter patterns. Burglary is most frequent at night (27%), suggesting targeted opportunities in residential areas during low-occupancy hours.

Billingham’s crime rate (110.6) is 46% lower than Stockton-on-Tees (161.1) and 71% lower than Thornaby-on-Tees (189.5). This suggests Billingham is relatively safer within the region, though all areas face elevated property crime rates compared to the UK average.

For Billingham’s elevated property crime rate, scOS’s proactive boundary detection and vehicle registration verification could deter burglars and identify stolen vehicles. Its anti-social behaviour trends suggest behavioural pattern learning and real-time alerts would help distinguish genuine threats from routine activity, reducing false alarms. These features align with the area’s need for both property and public safety measures.