For a population of 21,466 residents, Thornaby-on-Tees recorded 353 crimes in August 2025 — a rate of 16.4 per 1,000 people, more than double the UK average of 8.1. This makes Thornaby one of the most crime-affected areas in England and Wales, with its crime rate placing it in the top 10% of built-up areas nationally. The data reveals a stark pattern: anti-social behaviour (32.9% of all crimes) and violence and sexual offences (31.2%) dominate the crime profile, far exceeding UK averages for these categories by 270% and 78% respectively. These figures are consistent with Thornaby’s character as a mixed-use urban area with significant retail and community spaces, which may contribute to both public order issues and interpersonal conflicts. Seasonal factors also appear relevant: August, a peak holiday month, sees increased tourism and empty homes, which could explain the 171% above UK average rate for criminal damage and arson. While the overall crime rate is alarmingly high, certain categories like vehicle crime (23% below UK average) and drug offences (63% below) suggest that not all aspects of the area’s crime profile are anomalous. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas and during periods of heightened activity.