Billingham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Billingham’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 11.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 41% above the UK average of 8.3. This stark divergence from national trends highlights the area’s unique challenges, shaped by its status as a built-up area within Stockton-on-Tees. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (29.1% of total), criminal damage and arson (16.3%), and anti-social behaviour (15.0%). These figures suggest a combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, with July’s peak summer period likely exacerbating tensions in public spaces. The dominance of violence and sexual offences may reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where nightlife and social gatherings are concentrated. Meanwhile, the 197% spike in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average could be tied to the summer festival season, which draws both tourists and potential offenders. Anti-social behaviour, significantly above the UK average by 27%, may also be influenced by the area’s proximity to industrial sites and the increased foot traffic during holidays. The absence of a comparable drop in property crimes, such as burglary or vehicle crime, suggests that Billingham’s crime profile is more skewed toward violent and disorderly offences than the UK average, which sees a higher proportion of theft and fraud. This pattern could be explained by the area’s economic makeup, with a higher concentration of low-income households and limited access to recreational facilities, factors that may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict and public disorder.

July saw a sharp 133.3% increase in 'other crime,' rising from 9 to 21 incidents. This category, which includes a range of unclassified offences, may reflect unaddressed vulnerabilities in the area’s policing or reporting systems. Concurrently, possession of weapons surged by 100%, with incidents doubling from 1 to 2. This spike, though small in absolute terms, could signal shifting patterns in local criminal activity. Criminal damage and arson also rose 85.7%, likely tied to the summer season’s festivals and outdoor events, which may create opportunities for vandalism. Conversely, burglary fell 45.2%, from 31 to 17 incidents, linked to increased community vigilance or seasonal factors. Other theft also decreased by 24.1%, due to heightened awareness during peak tourist months. Shoplifting dropped 16%, aligning with the UK average for this category, a rare point of parity in an otherwise elevated crime profile.

Billingham’s crime rate in July 2023 rose 2.5% from the previous month, climbing to 11.7 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 41% above the UK average, a disparity that persists despite national trends showing a general decline in crime. Locally, 13 crimes were reported daily on average, a figure that, while specific to Billingham, highlights the persistent need for community-focused policing. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 85 residents, a ratio that underscores the scale of incidents relative to the area’s population of 34,045. This monthly exposure rate, though not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, offers a tangible measure of risk for residents. The slight uptick in overall crime contrasts with the UK’s broader context, where regional variations often reflect demographic or economic factors. Billingham’s position as a built-up area within Stockton-on-Tees, with its mix of industrial and residential zones, likely contributes to its distinct crime profile compared to more rural or urban counterparts.