Dunstable Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dunstable's January 2026 crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 14.7% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a relatively stable crime profile for the built-up area, though one category—'other crime'—stood out as significantly higher than the national average. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.0% of all crimes, with 78 incidents reported, a rate of 2.3 per 1,000, 8% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 14.9% of total crimes, with 29 cases recorded, a rate of 0.9 per 1,000, 3% below the UK average. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday period, shorter days, and reduced retail activity—may have contributed to the lower overall crime rate, particularly for outdoor and retail-related offences. However, the spike in 'other crime' to 12 cases (0.4 per 1,000) highlights a category that is 150% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. This discrepancy may indicate unaddressed local issues or reporting patterns that warrant further examination. The balance between property and violent crime in the area also shifted slightly, with violent crime comprising a larger share than property crime (78 vs 61 cases). This suggests that interpersonal disputes and public safety concerns may be more pressing than property-related issues in the short term. The relatively low rates of shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000, 30% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000, 46% below the UK average) further illustrate the area's unique crime dynamics, influenced by its urban character and local policing strategies.

January 2026 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, with one incident reported after none in December. This spike contrasts sharply with the UK average for the category, which was 0.1 per 1,000, while Dunstable's rate reached 0.0 per 1,000. Other crime also rose by 33.3%, with 12 incidents recorded—150% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour increased by 26.1%, from 23 to 29 cases, though it remained 3% below the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 66.7%, from three to one case, and robbery dropped by 50%, from four to two cases. These shifts underscore the uneven nature of monthly crime trends, with some categories showing marked volatility. Residents may find the significant rise in 'other crime' particularly noteworthy, as it represents a category that is higher than the UK average.

Dunstable's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 5.8 per 1,000 residents, a 3.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.0 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower outdoor crime activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six reported crimes per day, a figure that reflects the month's relatively low overall rate. When considering the population context, the monthly exposure rate—1 reported crime for roughly every 172 residents—suggests a manageable level of risk for local residents. This ratio is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, as Dunstable's rate remains 14.7% below the national figure. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the idea that the area's crime profile is distinct from broader UK trends, with local factors likely playing a key role in maintaining this lower rate.