Middlewich Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 14,469 residents, Middlewich recorded 73 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is 25% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, placing the area among the safer regions in England and Wales. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31 incidents (42.5% of total crimes), followed by drugs (10 cases) and public order offences (9 cases). The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday periods, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate compared to busier months. However, the dominance of violent crimes suggests factors beyond seasonal trends, such as local demographics or community dynamics. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.5 per 1,000, meaning Middlewich’s rate (2.1 per 1,000) is 16% below the national benchmark. This contrast is notable, as areas with high retail presence typically see more shoplifting, but Middlewich’s crime profile indicates a different priority for policing. Meanwhile, drug-related offences in Middlewich (0.7 per 1,000) are 150% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), highlighting a specific challenge. This discrepancy may reflect localised issues, such as proximity to transport hubs or social networks that facilitate drug distribution. The area’s built-up nature within Cheshire East, a largely rural region, may mean that crime patterns differ from both urban and purely rural counterparts. While property crimes like burglary and vehicle theft were lower than the UK average, the rise in drug offences and public order issues signals a need for targeted interventions. The overall picture is one of relative safety, but with pockets of concern that require attention.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 400% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 2 to 10 incidents. This surge, though significant, remains below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000 (Middlewich’s rate was 0.7 per 1,000). Conversely, burglary and robbery both declined sharply: burglary fell by 75% (from 4 to 1) and robbery dropped by 50% (from 2 to 1). These decreases may reflect seasonal patterns, such as reduced outdoor activity during shorter winter days. Public order offences also rose by 43% above the UK average (0.4 per 1,000), though they remained relatively low in absolute terms (9 incidents). The contrast between rising drug offences and falling property crimes highlights a shifting crime mix, with violence and sexual offences (31 cases) remaining the most prevalent category, at 42.5% of total crimes. This mix suggests a combination of local and national factors, with drug-related issues emerging as a notable concern for residents and authorities.

Middlewich’s crime rate in January 2026 (5.1 per 1,000 residents) represents a 7.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical post-holiday lull in activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population scale. Monthly exposure places the area at one reported crime for every 198 residents, a statistic that contextualises the rate as relatively sparse compared to larger urban centres. When considering the population of 14,469, this translates to a manageable burden of crime, though the spike in drug-related incidents warrants attention. The local profile, as a built-up area within Cheshire East, may see fluctuations tied to seasonal rhythms, such as reduced retail footfall in January, which could temper some crime types. However, the rise in drug offences suggests other dynamics at play, linked to broader regional trends or localised pressures.