Middlesbrough Crime Rate 2025: Stats, Crime Types, and Tips to Stay Safe

If Middlesbrough is on your list of places to visit or settle in, one of the first things you might want to know is how safe it is. The town has a mix of lively city areas, quiet neighbourhoods, and ongoing regeneration, which makes safety a key topic for many people moving here or just passing through.

In this guide, we’ll look at the latest Middlesbrough crime rate for 2024–2025. You’ll see how the numbers compare with other areas, what’s behind the changes, and which parts of town are safest. We’ll also share some simple tips to help you stay informed and go about your day with peace of mind.

The Latest Crime Rate in Middlesbrough (2024-2025)

For the 12 months ending August 2025, Middlesbrough recorded an overall crime rate of 129.92 crimes per 1,000 people, with 22,350 reported offences.

This is down from 132.12 per 1,000 in 2024, when there were 24,371 offences—a 2% drop in rate and an 8% fall in total incidents. The numbers show a steady decline since crime levels peaked in 2022.

If you’re interested in how these figures break down, here’s a closer look at Middlesbrough’s crime rate by type.

Middlesbrough Crime Rate in Regional and National Context

Middlesbrough reports around 129.92 crimes per 1,000 people, which is higher than both the regional and national averages. The town continues to see more cases of criminal damage, burglary, and arson compared to many nearby areas.

Here’s how Middlesbrough compares:

Vs. North Yorkshire: 97% higher than the county's 66.07 per 1,000, with a higher crime rate in violence and arson.

Vs. Yorkshire and The Humber: 51% higher than the region's 86.11 per 1,000, exceeding in burglary and drugs.

Vs. Other Major Cities: 36% higher than Sheffield (82.79 per 1,000); 30% higher than Newcastle upon Tyne (91.52 per 1,000); 12% safer than Westminster (145.01 per 1,000).

Vs. National Average: 79% above the UK average, with an overall Crime Rate Index of 1.79.

Across the UK, Middlesbrough ranks first for arson and burglary, fourth for robbery and anti-social behaviour, fifth for drug offences, and seventh for violence out of 99 cities. These numbers show that while progress is being made, safety remains a key concern for both residents and local authorities. If you’re planning to live or start a business here, installing outdoor security cameras can help protect your property.

A full-coverage system like the eufy NVR CCTV System S4 Max is a strong option, featuring an 8-channel recorder with 2TB storage (expandable to 16TB) and four 16MP triple-lens cameras with AI tracking and 360° coverage. Running 24/7 on reliable PoE power, it provides clear video and dependable protection for homes and businesses across Middlesbrough.

What’s Driving Crime Trends in Middlesbrough?

Crime patterns in Middlesbrough are shaped by a mix of socioeconomic, environmental, and policy factors. Below are the key factors shaping the Middlesbrough crime rate today.

• Socioeconomic Deprivation: High unemployment and poverty across deprived areas continue to fuel property crimes such as shoplifting and burglary.
• Drug-Related Activity: A rise in drug offences indicates ongoing organised crime, which contributes to violence and anti-social behaviour in urban hotspots.
• Urban Density and Hotspots: High footfall areas near stations and pubs see concentrated robbery surges and public order issues.
• Youth Involvement: Gang activity among younger groups continues to drive weapon possession and serious violence in certain districts.
• Economic Pressures: Cost-of-living challenges intensify theft offences, with shoplifting up despite overall thefts declining amid inflation.

Safest Areas in Middlesbrough

Despite its elevated overall crime rate, Middlesbrough offers several suburban areas with lower risks and strong community cohesion.

Linthorpe: A prestigious area with elegant period homes, tree-lined streets, and great amenities, offering both tranquillity and town-centre convenience.

Nunthorpe: A scenic suburb with countryside views, spacious homes, and excellent schools. Perfect for families seeking peace near Middlesbrough’s town centre.

Acklam: Family-friendly and well-connected. Acklam features green spaces, quality schools, and easy access to shops and leisure facilities.

Marton: Loved for open spaces and parks like Stewart Park, Marton combines nature, top schools, and a safe suburban atmosphere.

Coulby Newham: A modern, well-planned area with shopping centres, healthcare, and leisure spaces. Ideal for comfortable, convenient family living.

Top Dangerous Areas in Middlesbrough

While statistics may change over time, several areas have been consistently identified as areas of concern, and they are:

Central: Recognised as a high-crime area, Central experiences a significant share of violent offences in Cleveland. Historically, it has also ranked among England’s most deprived areas.

Longlands and Beechwood: This area reports a high incidence of violent crime, according to a 2024 assessment by the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner.

North Ormesby: Frequently identified as one of England’s most deprived areas, North Ormesby faces ongoing social challenges. Recent reports and social media highlight concerns over violence in the community.

Brambles and Thorntree: Once among the country’s most deprived areas, Brambles and Thorntree continue to experience persistent economic and social hardship, contributing to elevated crime levels.

How to Stay Safer in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough has areas that are very safe and others that need a bit more care, so it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings. If you live here or are visiting, these simple tips can help you stay safe and feel more comfortable as you get around the city.

Community Engagement: Join local neighbourhood watch or community groups to stay informed, share concerns, and collectively enhance safety in your area.

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, and keep your valuables secure, especially when walking alone at night.

Report Incidents: Promptly notify police or use local reporting apps to report crimes, suspicious activity, or emergencies, helping improve overall community safety.

Smart Travel: Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing, avoid shortcuts through isolated areas, and keep personal belongings out of sight while commuting.

Outdoor Surveillance: Lock doors and windows, even when at home, and invest in reliable security measures such as outdoor lighting and smart monitoring devices. Consider outdoor security cameras for continuous coverage of entrances and high-risk areas.

TheeufyCam S4 is particularly suited for your home in Middlesbrough. It features AI person and vehicle detection for early alerts, full-colour night vision for dim alleys, a 105dB siren to ward off threats, and solar power for continuous protection.

For entry points, the eufy Video Doorbell E340 offers extra safety against doorstep theft and assaults. Its dual-camera system captures both visitors and packages, while AI detection spots suspicious movements. With colour night vision and two-way audio, you can verify and respond to visitors securely from anywhere.

Indoor Protection: Indoor monitoring is equally important for preventing break-ins or antisocial intrusions. Installing indoor security cameras gives you real-time alerts, helping you act fast before minor disturbances escalate into serious incidents.

The eufy Indoor Cam S350 is ideal for homes in Middlesbrough, offering 4K dual-lens clarity to capture fine details. It features AI-powered human tracking to follow movements automatically and 32ft night vision for gathering clear evidence, even in low light.

Conclusion

So, is Middlesbrough safe? The Middlesbrough crime rate for 2025 shows that things are slowly improving. Theft and public disorder are down, but issues like violence and drug-related offences still need attention. Community policing and local projects are helping reduce crime linked to social challenges, showing steady progress.

To stay protected, consider eufy’s smart home security solutions, which offer reliable, AI-powered tools that help keep your Middlesbrough homes safer and give you peace of mind day and night.

FAQs

Where not to live in Middlesbrough?

Central Middlesbrough ranks highest for crime, especially around Centre Square and areas near pubs and transport hubs. Violence and antisocial behaviour are most common here.

North Ormesby and Brambles Farm also experience persistent issues like drug activity and property damage, driven by long-term deprivation and limited community investment.

For families or anyone prioritising safety, it’s best to look toward calmer suburbs such as Nunthorpe, Acklam, or Linthorpe, which offer a more secure and welcoming environment.

Is Middlesbrough Safe?

Middlesbrough’s safety varies by area. While its overall crime rate is 79% above the national average, there have been positive trends, including recent drops in theft and arson.

Suburbs like Nunthorpe, Marton, and Acklam remain safe and family-friendly, thanks to active neighbourhood watch groups and lower crime levels.

However, central districts still report higher rates of violence and robbery. Staying alert and using smart home security can make a big difference for residents and visitors alike.

What types of crime are most common in Middlesbrough?

Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent, with around 8,869 cases in 2025, equating to a crime rate of 52, though showing a slight annual decline.

Antisocial behaviour follows closely, with roughly 5,141 reports this year, covering vandalism, noise disturbances, and public disorder that disrupt everyday community life.

Criminal damage and arson are also notable, totalling about 2,836 incidents, but both have decreased thanks to targeted policing and community-led safety measures.