Witham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences, at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, accounted for nearly half (47.8%) of all crimes reported in Witham during January 2026. This rate, though 4% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 for the same category, contrasts sharply with the area’s overall crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 — 20.6% below the UK average of 6.8. The dominance of violent crime over property crime (64 vs 38 incidents) suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors. January, a post-holiday month with shorter daylight hours and reduced retail footfall, may have contributed to this dynamic. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 57% below the UK average, reflecting a relatively calm public space. Meanwhile, drug-related incidents, at 0.4 per 1,000, were 43% above the UK average, hinting at localized pressures. The absence of significant property crime spikes, such as burglary (0.1 per 1,000) or vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000), aligns with the seasonal lull in retail and outdoor activity typical of this time of year. This profile suggests a community where interpersonal tensions may outweigh opportunistic theft. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (47% below UK) and public order offences (52% below UK) further reinforce the idea that Witham’s crime picture is shaped by its specific social and environmental context.

Vehicle crime surged by 133.3% in January 2026, rising from 3 to 7 incidents — a sharp contrast to the 19% UK average decline for the category. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect targeted activity in Witham’s car parks or residential areas. Conversely, burglary dropped 72.7% (from 11 to 3), likely tied to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for opportunistic theft. Drug-related offences, up 125% from 4 to 9 incidents, now sit 43% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, suggesting localized pressures that warrant closer attention. Anti-social behaviour — at 0.4 per 1,000 — was 57% below the UK average of 0.9, indicating a relatively stable public order environment. For residents, the 16.7% rise in shoplifting (6 to 7 incidents) may signal increased focus on retail outlets during the post-holiday period, though this remains a minor component of the overall crime picture. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local conditions and broader trends, with no single factor dominating the month’s crime profile.

Witham’s crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 in January 2026 marked a 13.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.2 — a decline consistent with typical January patterns in this area. Over the course of the month, 134 crimes were reported, translating to roughly 4 crimes per day — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. On a population-scaled basis, 1 in every 185 residents experienced a reported crime during January, a monthly exposure rate that places Witham firmly in the lower quartile of UK built-up areas. This compares to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, with Witham’s overall rate 20.6% below that benchmark. The population context — 24,838 residents — means that even small absolute changes in crime numbers can have meaningful impacts on local communities. For example, the 72.7% drop in burglary cases (from 11 to 3) represents a 10-incident reduction in a month, which, while statistically significant, may not be immediately perceptible to residents. These figures suggest a community that, while not immune to crime, benefits from a combination of local initiatives, seasonal lulls, and demographic factors that keep rates below national averages.