Billingham Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Billingham during August 2024 reveals a troubling dominance of violent and anti-social offences, which together account for nearly half of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 residents, the area sits 22% above the UK average, a gap that highlights significant local challenges. Violence and sexual offences (31.9% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (17.7%) were the most prevalent categories, suggesting a pattern of community-level tensions or unaddressed social issues. This imbalance contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes and theft from the person typically dominate. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, may have contributed to this trend through increased tourism and the temporary absence of residents from their homes, potentially creating opportunities for burglary or anti-social acts. However, the data also shows a sharp increase in vehicle crime and burglary, which may be linked to the area’s infrastructure, such as commuter routes or industrial zones that attract opportunistic offenders. The high rate of criminal damage and arson (77% above the UK average) further complicates the picture, pointing to potential issues with vandalism or neglected properties. These findings suggest that Billingham’s crime profile is shaped by a combination of local factors, including its role as a built-up area within a larger industrial and commuter-focused region. The seasonal shift to August, with its mix of holiday-related activity and the typical summer evening patterns, may have amplified existing vulnerabilities, such as the lack of community policing in certain areas or the presence of high-risk demographics. While direct causation, it is likely that the area’s character—as a hub for both industrial activity and residential living—contributes to the concentration of violent and anti-social crimes. Addressing this imbalance will require targeted interventions that consider both the immediate needs of the community and the broader socio-economic context.

August 2024 witnessed sharp increases in vehicle crime (+260%), burglary (+187.5%), and bicycle theft (+100%), reflecting a marked shift in criminal activity. These spikes may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased vehicle movement during holidays or the presence of unoccupied homes, which could attract burglars. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 41.2%, and public order offences dropped by 31.4%, suggesting a possible reduction in alcohol-related incidents or changes in local enforcement. Billingham’s rate of violence and sexual offences (3.2 per 1,000) was 19% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.8 per 1,000) was 25% above. These figures indicate a localised challenge in managing community safety, particularly in areas with high concentrations of reported incidents. A resident might find the 18% rise in vehicle crime particularly concerning, as it suggests a growing risk for drivers and car owners.

Billingham's crime rate in August 2024 remained stable compared to July, rising just 1.2% to 10.0 per 1,000 residents. This slight increase contrasts with the broader seasonal context of August, typically associated with lower crime rates due to holidays and reduced foot traffic in some areas. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 11 reported crimes each day, a figure that highlights the consistent presence of criminal activity despite the month’s usual patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population. With a population of 34,045, this translates to a localised impact that residents may notice in their daily lives, particularly in high-traffic or community-focused areas. The comparison to the UK average, while not directly applicable here, reinforces the need for targeted local strategies given Billingham’s elevated rates in specific categories.