Basingstoke Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Basingstoke's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.6 per 1,000 residents, 2.9% below the UK average of 6.8. This slight edge over the national figure contrasts with the area's elevated rates of violence and sexual offences, which were 16% higher than the UK average. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 44% of all crimes, with 360 incidents reported—a figure that may be influenced by the town's mix of urban and suburban environments, where nightlife and community hubs could contribute to higher interpersonal crime. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 115 incidents (14% of total crimes), far exceeding the UK average by 58%. This anomaly may reflect the presence of retail centres and high streets, which are known to drive such offences. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average by 35%, remained a persistent issue at 7.1% of total crimes. Seasonal factors, such as post-holiday retail activity and reduced daylight hours, likely played a role in shaping these patterns. The overall crime rate's stability compared to December 2025, despite spikes in certain categories, suggests a combination of local dynamics and broader national trends. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas while maintaining the town's generally safer profile relative to the UK average.

January 2026 saw a 94.9% increase in shoplifting, jumping from 59 to 115 incidents. This surge, which outpaces the UK average by 58%, may be linked to post-holiday retail activity or seasonal fluctuations in foot traffic. Concurrently, theft from the person rose by 250%, from 2 to 7 incidents, a stark contrast to the 17% UK average. These spikes highlight vulnerabilities in retail and public spaces that require closer attention. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 57.1%, from 7 to 3, a trend consistent with reduced outdoor activity during shorter daylight hours. Anti-social behaviour, at 7.1% of total crimes, remained 35% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement strategies. The violence and sexual offences category, accounting for 44% of all crimes, stood at 2.9 per 1,000—16% above the UK average—underscoring the need for targeted violence prevention initiatives in the area.

Basingstoke's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable compared to December 2025, with a -0.6% decrease from 6.7 to 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends during the month. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 26 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 151 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime in a population of 123,498. This rate is comparable to other UK areas of similar size but highlights the importance of localised policing efforts. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the rate is slightly below the UK average, the distribution of crime types—particularly the elevated rates of violence and shoplifting—demands targeted interventions. These statistics provide a clear benchmark for assessing community safety and resource allocation.