Wombwell Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Wombwell's crime rate for January 2026 stood at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.5% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This slight edge over the national benchmark, though small, reflects the area's unique demographic and geographic profile as a built-up district within Barnsley. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 44.8% of all reported incidents—20% above the UK average. This disparity may be partially explained by the area's proximity to larger urban centres, where such offences are more concentrated. Criminal damage and arson followed at 16.2% of total crimes, a figure 129% above the UK average, potentially linked to the winter season's impact on infrastructure and community resilience. Anti-social behaviour, at 13.3% of incidents, fell 3% below the UK average, suggesting a degree of localised success in managing nuisance crime. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter days—may have contributed to lower outdoor crime rates but appears to have had little effect on violent incidents, which remain a persistent concern. This pattern underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly those with higher concentrations of vulnerable populations or limited community engagement.

January 2026 saw a sharp rise in 'other crime', surging 166.7% from three to eight incidents. This category, which includes unclassified offences, may reflect evolving criminal tactics or reporting patterns. Conversely, 'other theft' dropped 80.0% to one incident, suggesting a possible seasonal lull in petty theft. The area also recorded a 13.3% increase in criminal damage and arson, with 17 incidents—129% above the UK average. This spike may be linked to colder weather, which can strain infrastructure and increase vandalism risks. Meanwhile, 'public order' offences fell 40.0% to three incidents, aligning with the UK average and reflecting reduced social gatherings during the post-holiday period. The contrast between rising violent crime and falling property crime highlights a shifting balance in local crime dynamics, with violence and sexual offences remaining the most prevalent category at 44.8% of total incidents.

Wombwell's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 6.7 per 1,000 residents, an 11.1% decline from the previous month's rate of 7.5 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with typical January patterns, where shorter daylight hours and post-holiday economic activity may temporarily dampen certain crime types. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately three crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's built-up character and ongoing community engagement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 150 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the scale of incidents against the local population. This figure, when compared to the previous month's equivalent, suggests a measurable shift in crime dynamics, though the area remains within the UK's broader statistical framework. The population context—15,732 residents—further illustrates that the crime rate is not an isolated anomaly but a reflection of local conditions within a national trend.