Dacorum Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dacorum’s January 2026 crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents placed it 7.6% below the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000, marking a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.8% and shoplifting at 9.8%. These figures reflect a mix of local and national influences, with the post-holiday period likely contributing to the seasonal dip in outdoor crimes. However, the high proportion of anti-social behaviour—32% above the UK average—suggests a need for focused interventions in specific neighbourhoods. The relatively low rate of violent crime compared to the UK average may be attributed to Dacorum’s suburban character, where community engagement and local policing initiatives have historically played a role in maintaining public safety. Conversely, the sharp rise in shoplifting, which saw a 73.2% increase from December, could be linked to the reduced retail footfall typical of January, creating opportunities for opportunistic offenders. This highlights the importance of adaptive policing strategies that address both seasonal and long-term crime patterns. The overall crime rate, while lower than the national average, still requires attention to areas where Dacorum deviates significantly, such as the elevated levels of anti-social behaviour. These insights provide a foundation for understanding the local crime profile and informing future policy decisions.

January 2026 saw a significant 150% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 2 to 5 incidents, a sharp contrast to the 50% reduction in robbery cases, which dropped from 6 to 3. These opposing trends suggest shifting patterns in criminal activity, with anti-social behaviour remaining the second most common crime at 19.8% of the total. Violence and sexual offences in Dacorum were 14% below the UK average, a striking deviation from the national trend. This may be linked to the area’s community-focused policing strategies, which have been reinforced in recent months. Conversely, anti-social behaviour was 32% above the UK average, raising questions about the effectiveness of local interventions in managing such incidents. The sharp rise in shoplifting, up 73.2% from 56 to 97 cases, could be attributed to the post-holiday lull in retail activity, which may have left stores more vulnerable to opportunistic theft. These figures underscore the combination of local conditions and national crime trends, requiring targeted efforts to address the most pressing issues.

Dacorum’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 3.2% decrease from the previous month’s 6.3 per 1,000. This slight downward trend aligns with the post-holiday period, when retail activity typically declines and outdoor crime is less frequent. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 32 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while consistent with local patterns, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 163 residents, a rate that reflects the area’s relatively stable security environment. This monthly exposure figure is particularly useful for residents assessing their personal risk, as it provides a clear snapshot of how crime is distributed across the population. The decline from December to January also suggests that seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic in shopping areas and shorter daylight hours, may be contributing to the drop in crime. However, this does not fully explain the variations in specific crime types, which require a closer look at the breakdown.