Bolton upon Dearne Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bolton upon Dearne’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 8.8% below the UK average of 6.8. This position reflects a mix of urban and rural dynamics, though the area’s built-up nature within Barnsley likely influences local crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 35.4% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (18.8%) and anti-social behaviour (10.4%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for the same categories, where violence and sexual offences are 12% below the national rate, while criminal damage and arson are 150% above. Seasonal factors, such as the post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours, may have contributed to the overall decline in crime compared to December. However, the sharp rise in other theft and shoplifting remains unexplained by typical seasonal patterns, suggesting localized factors or emerging trends. The data also reveals a marked contrast between property and violent crime: property crimes (23) outnumbered violent crimes (17), though the latter still represented a significant share. This balance may be influenced by the area’s proximity to retail hubs or its role as a commuter suburb, though further analysis would be required to confirm such links. Overall, the crime profile illustrates a combination of seasonal trends, local demographics, and the built environment, with some categories showing unexpected volatility that merits closer examination.

January 2026 saw a stark 200% increase in other theft, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a jump that defies typical seasonal trends. Shoplifting also doubled from 0 to 1, an unusual spike for a month typically marked by reduced retail footfall. Meanwhile, vehicle crime surged by 100%, with cases rising from 2 to 4, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in local parking infrastructure or increased vehicle-related activity. These increases contrast sharply with notable decreases in other areas: public order offences fell by two-thirds, anti-social behaviour dropped by 54.5%, and violence and sexual offences declined by 15%. The latter may be linked to the post-holiday period. Crime categories also diverged significantly from the UK average, with criminal damage and arson 150% above the national rate and burglary similarly elevated. Such disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions in specific crime types, even as overall rates trend downward.

Bolton upon Dearne's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 9.4% compared to December 2025, dropping from 6.9 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal trends, as shorter days and post-holiday retail activity typically reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 160 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, though local factors—such as the area’s built-up nature and proximity to Barnsley’s urban core—may influence crime patterns differently. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the rate is below the UK average, the distribution of crime types reflects a mix of urban and rural characteristics. For instance, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson, which is 150% above the UK average, suggests localized issues that warrant closer attention within the community.