Billingham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a stark divergence from the UK average, with Billingham's crime rate at 8.8 per 1,000 residents—37.5% above the national figure of 6.4. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (37.5% of total), anti-social behaviour (16.7%), and criminal damage and arson (10%). This pattern contrasts with the seasonal context of winter months, typically associated with lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. However, the data reveals a troubling escalation in violent crime, which is 42% above the UK average for this category. The high proportion of violent offences may be linked to the area's urban density and the presence of multiple retail and commercial hubs, which can amplify tensions during colder months. Anti-social behaviour, also significantly above the UK average (65% higher), may reflect increased indoor gatherings and the challenges of managing public spaces during periods of reduced daylight. The absence of a notable drop in property crimes, despite the seasonal slowdown, suggests ongoing vulnerabilities in residential security and retail environments. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-traffic areas and community engagement to address root causes of violence and disorder.

The month-on-month data reveals alarming spikes in specific crimes. Possession of weapons surged by 200%, with incidents rising from 1 to 3—a 300% increase in absolute terms. This jump, while small in number, could signal emerging patterns of armed crime that require immediate scrutiny. Burglary also saw a dramatic 166.7% increase, climbing from 9 to 24 incidents. This is particularly concerning given Billingham's burglary rate is 180% above the UK average (0.7 per 1,000 vs 0.2 per 1,000), suggesting structural or environmental factors that make properties more vulnerable. Shoplifting rose 66.7% from 15 to 25, likely tied to retail foot traffic patterns during the pre-Easter period. Anti-social behaviour remains 65% above the UK average, a persistent issue that may reflect the area's social dynamics during winter. While vehicle crime and other thefts declined, these reductions were offset by the sharp increases in violent and property crimes. Residents should be especially vigilant in areas with high concentrations of retail outlets and residential properties, where both burglary and shoplifting rates remain elevated compared to national benchmarks.

The crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to January at 8.8 per 1,000 residents (-0.3% change), but this consistency masks underlying volatility in specific crime categories. On a daily basis, Billingham experienced approximately 11 crimes per day in February, a figure that, while locally contextual, highlights the persistent nature of criminal activity in the area. When scaled to the population of 34,045 residents, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 114 residents—a statistic that underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively compact built-up area. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average, with violent crime alone being 42% above the national figure. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Billingham's residents face a higher risk of encountering crime compared to the UK average, particularly in categories like burglary and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate has not changed from the previous month, the dramatic increases in certain offences suggest that local conditions—such as the timing of holidays or community events—may be exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. These comparative figures serve as a reminder that, despite the apparent stability in aggregate numbers, targeted efforts are needed to address the disproportionate rise in specific crime types.