Billingham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Billingham's crime profile in January 2026 reveals a combination of local dynamics and broader national trends. The overall crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents places the area 29.4% above the UK average of 6.8, a figure that underscores the need for continued vigilance. This rate is driven by violent crimes (107 incidents, 35.7% of total) and anti-social behaviour (59 incidents, 19.7%), both of which exceed UK averages by 24% and 83% respectively. These patterns may reflect the area's role as a commuter hub and its proximity to industrial zones, where tensions between transient and local populations can escalate. Seasonal factors also play a role: January's post-holiday period, shorter days, and reduced retail footfall likely contributed to the lower-than-expected shoplifting rate (30% below UK average). Violent crime, in particular, remains a pressing concern, with its share of total incidents suggesting a need for enhanced community policing and conflict resolution initiatives. The area's built-up character within Stockton-on-Tees means that crime prevention strategies must balance the needs of residents with those of commuters, ensuring that local infrastructure and services are resilient to both routine and seasonal pressures.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+250%), theft from the person (+100%), and other crime (+85.7%), all of which demand scrutiny. These spikes may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced visibility during shorter days, or shifts in local activity patterns. Conversely, several categories showed declines: possession of weapons fell by 80%, drugs by 55.6%, and burglary by 50%, suggesting targeted efforts may have had an impact. Shoplifting remained 30% below the UK average, a consistent trend that could indicate effective retail security measures or lower footfall in high streets. The violent crime category, at 35.7% of total incidents, was 24% above the UK average, a disparity that may stem from Billingham's proximity to industrial zones and its commuter demographics. While these findings highlight areas requiring attention, the overall crime rate remains a concern for local authorities.

Billingham's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 8.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 20.5% increase from December 2025's 7.3 per 1,000. This shift, while notable, must be contextualised against the area's broader patterns. Daily crime activity averaged 10 incidents per day, reflecting the built-up nature of the area and its reliance on local infrastructure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents — a figure that, while higher than the UK average, aligns with the region's demographic density. The population context is critical: with 34,045 residents, Billingham's crime rate is influenced by its role as a commuter hub within Stockton-on-Tees. While the 20.5% increase suggests a concerning trend, the absolute number of crimes (300) remains manageable for a town of this size. Local factors, such as seasonal transitions and post-holiday activity, likely play a role in the rise, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.