Billingham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Billingham's crime rate in January 2024 stood at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 10.8% above the UK average of 7.4. This rate, though elevated, reflects a combination of local conditions and national trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.3% of all reported incidents, a category that was 12% below the UK average. This discrepancy may be influenced by the area's built-up nature and the presence of community-focused policing initiatives. The second most common crime was criminal damage and arson, which saw an 111% increase over the UK average, a stark anomaly that could be linked to specific local factors such as industrial activity or environmental vulnerabilities. Seasonal context also played a role, with January's post-holiday period likely contributing to reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor crimes. However, the overall rate remains a concern, particularly when compared to the UK average. The breakdown of crimes illustrates a mix of trends, with some categories aligning with national patterns while others diverge significantly. For instance, anti-social behaviour was 39% below the UK average, reflecting community engagement efforts or natural seasonal lulls. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and other thefts were both above the UK average, suggesting that transportation hubs or commercial areas may be contributing factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies that address both the unique challenges of Billingham and the broader context of national crime trends.

January 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 212.5% compared to the previous month, rising from eight to 25 incidents. This sharp increase may partly explain the overall crime rate remaining above the UK average despite a 6.9% monthly decline. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 42.4%, a drop that could reflect the impact of seasonal factors such as shorter days and reduced public gatherings. Drug-related offences also rose sharply, increasing by 166.7% as the number of reported cases jumped from three to eight. This trend stands in contrast to the UK average, where drug crime was 5% below the national rate. Meanwhile, robbery rates dropped by 50%, from two to one incident, a decrease that may be linked to the post-holiday period and reduced retail activity. The breakdown also reveals that criminal damage and arson were 111% above the UK average, a stark outlier that warrants attention from local authorities.

Billingham's crime rate in January 2024 fell by 6.9% compared to December 2023, dropping from 8.8 to 8.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of post-holiday months, when retail footfall and outdoor activity often decrease. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately nine crimes reported each day in January, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of a built-up area within a larger urban region. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-122 residents highlights the relative frequency of crime in a community of 34,045 people. While this rate remains 10.8% above the UK average, the month-on-month reduction suggests a potential stabilization in policing efforts or community initiatives. The shift in crime mix—particularly the drop in anti-social behaviour—may indicate targeted interventions or natural seasonal lulls in certain types of activity. These figures, though modest, offer a snapshot of how local conditions interact with broader national trends.