Dodworth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dodworth's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.4% below the UK average of 6.8. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.7% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (21.1%) and anti-social behaviour (13.2%). This distribution aligns with patterns typically observed in built-up areas within industrial towns, where interpersonal disputes and property-related incidents are common. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday periods, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours—may partly explain the lower incidence of outdoor crimes compared to summer months. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences suggests ongoing challenges in community safety that extend beyond seasonal factors. The rate of criminal damage and arson in Dodworth (1.3 per 1,000) is 171% above the UK average, highlighting a specific area of concern. This could reflect local dynamics such as economic pressures or targeted vandalism in under-resourced neighbourhoods. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) may be attributed to the area's smaller retail footprint and limited tourist activity. While the overall crime rate remains lower than the national average, the sharp contrast in specific categories underscores the need for tailored interventions that address both broader community safety and targeted issues like property damage.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in January 2026 was the 100% increase in both shoplifting and robbery, which rose from zero to one incident each. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity patterns. The rise in shoplifting coincides with the post-holiday period, a time when retail premises may be less vigilant or have reduced staffing. Meanwhile, the single robbery incident, though isolated, may indicate a broader trend of opportunistic crimes in public spaces. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 75% (from four to one incident), a drop consistent with the seasonal decline in outdoor activity and reduced vehicle traffic. This decrease could reflect improved security measures at local car parks or fewer opportunities for theft during colder months. The category of criminal damage and arson saw particularly stark figures, with a rate of 1.3 per 1,000—171% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be linked to local factors such as the presence of vacant properties or ongoing disputes in the community. Conversely, anti-social behaviour in Dodworth was 14% below the UK average, suggesting that community policing or local initiatives may be having a measurable impact in reducing disruptive incidents. For residents, the sharp drop in vehicle crime offers a tangible benefit, as it reduces the risk of car-related thefts during the winter months when vehicle usage is typically lower.

Dodworth's crime rate in January 2026 (6.3 per 1,000) represented a 7.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.8 per 1,000, indicating a modest but notable decline. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day, a figure that, while low, remains a regular concern for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 158 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but still highlights the need for vigilance. When viewed through the lens of population size (6,012 residents), the rate of 6.3 per 1,000 places Dodworth in a relatively safer position compared to many similar-sized built-up areas. However, the disparity in specific crime categories—such as the 171% higher rate of criminal damage and arson—demonstrates that the overall rate can mask significant local variations. This contrast between the area's overall safety and its specific vulnerabilities underscores the importance of targeted crime prevention strategies. For instance, while the rate of vehicle crime has dropped substantially, the elevated levels of property damage suggest that efforts to address vandalism and arson should remain a priority. The comparison to the previous month also reveals that the decline in overall crime may be partly attributable to seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity and lower foot traffic in retail areas during January. These patterns reinforce the idea that crime trends in Dodworth are influenced by both local conditions and broader seasonal rhythms.