Crime Rates Fall in Middlesbrough as Operation Fortress Reaches Two-Year Anniversary

Crime rates are falling in Middlesbrough as the second anniversary of Operation Fortress takes place and officers and partners continue to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB).

Dedicated operations are being carried out around the Middlesbrough area in order to reduce violence, ASB, drugs activity and other crime as well as officers carrying out daily hotspot patrols.

This proactive work by police and partners is evidenced by a 9% reduction in crime across the whole of Middlesbrough in 2023, when compared to 2022.

A 20% reduction in crime was seen in the Hemlington area over the same period. Operation Fortress was launched in February 2022 in the Hemlington area; which see’s police and partner agencies including Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade and housing associations join together to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Over the last two years in Hemlington there has been reductions in crime, antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and arson. In February 2024 compared to February 2022, there were 57 less arson offences and 74 less crime and antisocial behaviour incidents.

Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team arrested and charged a number of people during 2023, who have now been sentenced to a total of more than 44 years in prison. Two people also received suspended sentences and further await sentencing.  

Chief Inspector Nigel Burnell, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Through our proactive work alongside partners from the local authority, housing agencies, Fire Brigade and voluntary organisations; we have been able to collectively cut crime in Middlesbrough throughout 2023.

“We are seeing this trend continue in 2024 and we are not complacent, and will strive to reduce the numbers of victims of crime further. We continue to listen to local residents who tell us their concerns and we tackle the issues affecting their everyday lives.

“I would urge members of the public to continue to report incidents to us, so that we can take the appropriate action and work collectively together with partners to address any longer-term issues.”

*** Recent photos of proactive activity carried out in Middlesbrough ***