Ashfield Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ashfield's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 8.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 22.1% increase above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a worrying upward trend, particularly in the context of the post-holiday period, which typically sees a reduction in retail footfall and outdoor activities. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (30.8% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (17.4%), and shoplifting (11.2%), all of which align with patterns seen in areas with high population density and commercial activity. The seasonal context of January, with its shorter days and reduced visibility, may contribute to an increase in certain types of crime, although the data suggests that local factors are also at play. Violence and sexual offences, while down by 5.9% compared to the previous month, still remain 4% above the UK average, indicating a persistent challenge in this category. Anti-social behaviour, which saw a 61% increase over the UK average, may be influenced by the area's community dynamics and the nature of local interactions. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly those with a mix of residential and commercial properties, to address the root causes of these crimes.

The most alarming trend in January 2026 was the 133.3% increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising from 3 to 7. This sharp rise is particularly concerning given the area's relatively high proportion of cyclists, especially in the context of post-holiday disruptions to routine. Burglary also surged by 113.8%, jumping from 29 to 62 incidents, a figure that is 79% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. This increase may be linked to the post-holiday period, when households are more likely to be unoccupied or less vigilant. Theft from the person also rose by 66.7%, from 3 to 5 incidents, though this remains below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, both of which are 61% and 58% above the UK average respectively, highlight persistent issues in public spaces. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, where these crimes are most commonly reported.

Ashfield's January 2026 crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents marks an 8.9% increase from December 2025's 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a concerning upward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 35 crimes per day, highlighting the persistent presence of criminal activity in the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 120 residents, underscoring the frequency of incidents relative to the population of 129,572. While this figure is a monthly aggregate and not a daily frequency, it provides a clear indication of the scale of crime faced by residents. The increase is particularly notable given the seasonal context of January, typically associated with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which might be expected to lower certain types of crime. However, the data suggests that local factors may be contributing to the rise, necessitating further analysis to understand the underlying causes.