Rugeley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rugeley's January 2026 crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents positions it 10.3% below the UK average of 6.8, a distinction that reflects the built-up area's characteristics within the rural Cannock Chase region. This rate, while slightly higher than the previous month's 6.5, remains consistent with the area's historical trend of lower-than-average crime rates. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 50.3% of total incidents (82 cases), significantly above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This may be partially explained by the area's demographic mix and the presence of community hubs that could contribute to higher reporting rates for such offences. Conversely, shoplifting rates are 30% below the UK average, with 11 cases reported compared to the national 0.6 per 1,000, a pattern that aligns with the post-holiday lull in retail activity typical of January. The seasonal context of January—shorter days, reduced footfall in commercial areas, and the absence of summer tourism—likely contributes to lower rates of outdoor crimes and theft from the person. The area's crime profile also shows a notable gap in drug-related offences (2 cases), 64% below the UK average, which may reflect the absence of major urban centres or drug trafficking routes in this rural setting. These patterns suggest a crime picture shaped by the interplay of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the built-up area's limited urban density compared to larger cities.

January 2026 saw a 12.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 73 to 82 incidents. This category remains 24% above the UK average, a trend consistent with Rugeley's built-up area dynamics. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell 30% below the UK average, with 11 cases reported compared to the national 0.6 per 1,000. This may reflect the area's reduced retail footfall during the post-holiday period. Burglary increased by 75% (4 to 7 incidents), a sharp rise that contrasts with the 7% UK average for this category. Vehicle crime also rose 42.9% (7 to 10 incidents), potentially linked to seasonal changes in parking patterns. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 37.5% (16 to 10 incidents), a drop that may correlate with shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for such crimes. The 64% UK average gap in drug-related offences (2 incidents) suggests a lower prevalence of substance-related crime in the area compared to national trends.

Rugeley's January 2026 crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents places it 10.3% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting the area's relative safety compared to national figures. This monthly rate translates to roughly 5 crimes reported per day across the built-up area, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 164 residents, highlighting the low likelihood of any individual encountering crime. The drop from 6.5 per 1,000 in December to 6.1 per 1,000 in January suggests a slight seasonal stabilisation after the winter holiday period. This contrast with the UK's generally higher rates underscores Rugeley's position as a relatively low-crime area within a rural context, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower reporting rates. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the 163 total crimes, the area's 26,748 residents experience a crime rate well below the national benchmark.