Thornaby-on-Tees Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Thornaby-on-Tees’ January 2026 crime rate of 15.9 per 1,000 residents places it 133.8% above the UK average, reflecting persistent challenges in the built-up area. The breakdown reveals that shoplifting, violence and sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour account for over 50% of all reported crimes. This pattern is consistent with the area’s character as a mixed-use urban centre with significant retail and community spaces. Seasonal factors in January, such as post-holiday economic pressures and reduced daylight, likely contribute to the elevated levels of property crime. The sharp rise in shoplifting may be linked to the area’s retail presence and the timing of January, which often sees lower footfall compared to festive periods. Meanwhile, the higher-than-average violent crime rate may reflect the challenges of managing public spaces in a densely populated area with limited policing resources. Anti-social behaviour, which makes up nearly 19.7% of crimes, is 233% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in community engagement and nuisance management. The overall crime rate, though higher than the UK average, remains stable compared to previous months, indicating that while the area faces systemic challenges, there is no immediate trend of escalation.

The most dramatic month-on-month swing occurred in shoplifting, which surged by 102.2% (46 to 93 incidents), making it the single largest contributor to Thornaby-on-Tees’ crime total. This spike, coupled with a 266.7% increase in drug-related crimes (3 to 11), signals a sharp shift in the crime profile. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 84.6% (13 to 2), a reduction that may reflect seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours and reduced retail activity. The breakdown shows that shoplifting alone accounts for 27.3% of all crimes, far exceeding the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This suggests a combination of local retail dynamics and potential enforcement gaps. The violent crime category, at 85 incidents, is 60% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, highlighting ongoing concerns in public safety.

Thornaby-on-Tees recorded a crime rate of 15.9 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, a 4.3% increase from December 2025’s 15.2 per 1,000. This means 11 crimes were reported daily across the built-up area, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 63 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate remains consistent with prior months, the rise in violent and property crimes has shifted the balance of concern. The population context reveals that 21,466 residents in the area face a crime risk that is 133.8% above the UK average. Daily crime statistics highlight persistent challenges, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour contributing to the majority of incidents. The contrast between Thornaby’s figures and the UK average underscores the area’s unique challenges, particularly in retail and public order management.