Congleton Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Congleton’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This position reflects a combination of effective local policing and the area’s characteristics as a built-up part of Cheshire East, where urban infrastructure and community engagement may contribute to lower overall crime. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 53% of all reported crimes. This figure, while significantly higher than the UK average for this category (2.5 per 1,000), contrasts with lower rates for property crimes such as shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000, 12% below the UK average). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours—may have influenced the crime mix, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of this time of year. Public order offences also saw a marked increase, standing at 0.8 per 1,000 (90% above the UK average), linked to local events or community dynamics. Meanwhile, crimes like burglary and anti-social behaviour remained well below national averages, indicating areas where Congleton’s crime profile diverges from broader trends. This data suggests a combination of local factors and national patterns, with Congleton maintaining a safer environment overall while grappling with specific challenges in violent and public order crime.

January 2026 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Bicycle theft surged by 100% compared to December, rising from zero to one incident—a spike that may reflect post-holiday activity or targeted behaviour. Other crime also doubled, with two incidents reported, while drug-related offences increased by 83.3% to 11 cases. These rises contrast with declines in vehicle crime (down 83.3% to one incident) and anti-social behaviour (down 60% to six cases). Violence and sexual offences remained the most significant category, accounting for 53% of all crimes, and were 28% above the UK average. This divergence from national trends may highlight local factors such as community dynamics or policing focus. For residents, the sharp increase in bicycle theft offers a concrete example of how crime patterns can shift rapidly, even within a stable overall rate.

Congleton's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable compared to the previous month, declining by 1.0% to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity, though the breakdown of crime types reveals nuanced patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six reported crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up environment. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 167 residents, a ratio that highlights the relative safety of Congleton compared to areas with higher population densities. When scaled to the local population of 30,901, the 6.0 rate underscores that the area remains below the UK average, a position that may reflect both effective policing and the community’s demographic profile. This monthly exposure metric, while not directly comparable to national figures, provides residents with a tangible sense of risk in their daily lives.