Billingham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Billingham's crime rate in December 2023 reached 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.2% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This disparity is most pronounced in the category of criminal damage and arson, which occurred at a rate 168% higher than the national average. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (32.0% of total crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson (17.3%) and other theft (13.0%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December, a period marked by increased retail activity, dark evenings, and the presence of empty homes during the holiday season. The elevated rate of shoplifting (10.7 per 1,000) and public order offences (6.3 per 1,000) may be partly explained by the influx of shoppers and the disruption of usual routines during the festive period. Burglary rates in Billingham were 14% below the UK average, a deviation that may reflect the town's built-up character and potential for greater community cohesion or surveillance. The high proportion of property crimes (52.8% of total incidents) compared to violent crimes (32.0%) suggests that local crime dynamics are influenced by factors such as the presence of retail centres and the associated risks of theft. This pattern is consistent with the characteristics of a major urban centre within Stockton-on-Tees, where commercial activity and population density may contribute to higher property-related crime rates. The data also highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where criminal damage and arson are concentrated, as these incidents not only impact public safety but also contribute to the degradation of local infrastructure.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, with incidents tripling from 16 to 32, and drugs-related crimes surging by 200% (1 to 3). These spikes contrast with a 60% decline in 'other crime' and a 50% reduction in robbery, suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The category of criminal damage and arson stood out as 168% above the UK average, a stark deviation that may reflect local factors such as the area's industrial heritage or seasonal property vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, burglary rates in Billingham were 14% below the UK average, possibly linked to the town's built-up character and higher levels of community engagement or surveillance in residential areas. The month-on-month drop in anti-social behaviour (37.7%) could indicate the effectiveness of local enforcement during the festive period, though this remains speculative without further data. Residents may find the 10 crimes per day figure useful for contextualising the pace of incidents in their daily lives.

Billingham's December 2023 crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 15.8% decrease from the previous month's 10.5 per 1,000, reflecting a notable downward trend. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal pattern of lower crime rates during the festive period, though December remains a month of heightened activity due to Christmas shopping and holiday-related disruptions. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 10 reported crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides a tangible measure of the area's crime profile relative to its population of 34,045. This statistic, while consistent with the broader UK context of seasonal fluctuations, highlights the need for continued vigilance in high-risk periods such as December, when shoplifting and public order offences tend to spike. The comparison to the previous month also underscores the potential impact of targeted policing efforts or community initiatives, though no direct causal link can be inferred from the data alone.