Belper Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Belper’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly half (48.7%) of all reported crimes. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where such crimes constitute 24% of the national total. The area’s overall crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents—41.2% below the UK average—suggests a relatively safer environment, though the balance of crime types indicates unique local dynamics. Violent crimes dominate, likely influenced by factors such as the post-holiday period and reduced social activity during January’s shorter days. Property crimes, by contrast, are significantly underrepresented compared to the UK average, with shoplifting and burglary both well below national rates. This could reflect Belper’s character as a historically industrial town with fewer high-traffic retail areas or a more stable community structure. The seasonal context of January—marked by cold weather, reduced daylight, and lower retail activity—may also contribute to the lower prevalence of property-related crimes. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson (133.3% increase) suggests that other factors, such as unexplained environmental or social pressures, may be at play. These patterns highlight the need to consider both geographic and temporal influences when interpreting crime data in this area.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime types, with criminal damage and arson surging by 133.3%—from three to seven incidents. This jump, though unexplained by the data, may reflect seasonal factors such as colder weather driving indoor-related incidents. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime each fell by 50%, possibly linked to reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours typical of January. The crime mix also shifted: violent crimes, which accounted for 48.7% of total incidents, remained 24% below the UK average, while other theft rose 30% above the national rate. Possession of weapons saw a 100% increase, with one reported case this month—highlighting a potential localised issue warranting further analysis. These contrasts underscore the complexity of Belper’s crime profile, where some categories align with broader UK trends while others diverge sharply.

Belper’s crime rate in January 2026 rose 9.7% from the previous month’s 3.6 per 1,000 to 4.0 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns influenced by seasonal factors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day—a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 253 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in proportion to the population. While this rate is 41.2% below the UK average, the month-on-month rise suggests a need to monitor trends in specific crime categories. The population context further illustrates that, despite the relatively low crime rate, the localised nature of incidents—such as spikes in criminal damage—demands targeted attention. The 9.7% increase, though not extreme, may partly explain shifts in public order or property crime trends observed this month.