Stockton-on-Tees Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Stockton-on-Tees recorded a crime rate of 11.4 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 78.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark divergence from the national picture is driven by a concentration of violent and property-related crimes, with violence and sexual offences making up 37% of all reported incidents. The area’s crime profile reflects a mix of urban and industrial characteristics, where high foot traffic in retail and nightlife areas likely contributes to elevated rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Seasonal factors also play a role, as February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may see reduced policing visibility and increased indoor gatherings, which could exacerbate domestic-related violence. However, the data also shows a 159% above-average rate for shoplifting, which may be influenced by the town’s retail presence, including high-street centres and supermarkets. While the overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, the seasonal context suggests that the area’s crime dynamics are shaped by both geographic and temporal patterns. This combination of factors highlights the need for tailored strategies that address both immediate incidents and underlying socioeconomic challenges.

February 2026 saw a 60% increase in robbery incidents, rising from 25 to 40, marking one of the most significant month-on-month jumps in recent data. This surge contrasts with a 19.9% decline in shoplifting, which fell from 377 to 302, possibly reflecting seasonal shifts in retail activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 37% of all crimes and 81% above the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. Meanwhile, bicycle theft rose by 57.1%, from 7 to 11 incidents, a trend that may link to increased cycling during colder months or changes in local enforcement patterns. The sharp rise in robbery, despite an overall rate decrease, suggests localized pressures that require targeted interventions. Residents may find the 159% above-UK-average rate for shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a specific challenge in retail crime prevention.

Stockton-on-Tees' crime rate in February 2026 (11.4 per 1,000 residents) marks a 5.4% decrease from January 2026’s rate of 12.1 per 1,000. While this monthly dip suggests a temporary shift, the overall rate remains 78.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. Daily crime counts average 84 incidents per day, reflecting a persistent challenge for local authorities. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 88 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a community of 206,800 people. This monthly exposure figure underscores the need for sustained efforts to address underlying factors, such as socioeconomic conditions and urban density, which may contribute to higher-than-average crime levels. The population context also reveals that each resident faces a significantly higher risk of experiencing crime compared to the UK average, though the rate has shown a slight downward trend from the previous month.