Billingham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 marked a significant shift in Billingham's crime profile, with the most dramatic change being the 62% reduction in anti-social behaviour. This decline, coupled with a 27.4% drop in the overall crime rate compared to August, suggests a potential turning point in local policing or community engagement efforts. The area's crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents remains 20% above the UK average, reflecting persistent challenges in certain categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.6% of all crimes, with 113 incidents reported, placing this category 20% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, though sharply reduced, still exceeded the national benchmark by 34%, indicating that while progress has been made, underlying issues remain. Criminal damage and arson saw a 100% increase compared to the UK average, with 40 incidents reported. This pattern aligns with Billingham's status as a built-up area within Stockton-on-Tees, where seasonal factors like back-to-school periods and shorter evenings may influence crime dynamics. The data also shows that shoplifting and vehicle crime fell below UK averages, potentially due to targeted interventions in retail areas or improved vehicle security measures. These trends highlight the need for continued focus on specific crime types while building on the success of reducing anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—likely contributed to the fluctuation in crime patterns, with increased foot traffic in certain areas deterring some offences while creating new pressures in others.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in September was a 62% decrease in anti-social behaviour, falling from 158 to 60 incidents. This drop may partly explain the overall 27.4% reduction in the area's crime rate compared to August. Violent crimes, however, remained 20% above the UK average, with 113 cases reported. Conversely, drug-related incidents surged by 150%, rising from 2 to 5 cases. This increase, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local patterns. Robbery also doubled, with 6 incidents reported, while possession of weapons rose by 50%, from 2 to 3 cases. These upward trends contrast sharply with the decline in anti-social behaviour, illustrating a combination of factors affecting different crime categories. Shoplifting and vehicle crime both fell below UK averages by 29% and 17% respectively, suggesting possible successes in retail security or public awareness campaigns.

Billingham's crime rate in September 2023 dropped by 27.4% compared to August, falling from 13.2 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a local trend of reduced anti-social behaviour, which fell by 62% over the same period. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 11 crimes per day in September, a figure that reflects the overall reduction. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the density of incidents relative to the population. This rate is higher than the UK average, but the year-on-year context shows a marked improvement in local policing or community interventions. The population context also reveals that Billingham's 34,045 residents face a crime environment that is both distinct and evolving compared to national benchmarks.