Dacorum Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dacorum's overall crime rate in January 2026 was 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 10.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This consistent performance below the national benchmark reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. 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 align with the area's character as a mixed urban-rural district, where high-street retail hubs and community spaces may contribute to the prominence of certain crime types. The post-holiday period in January typically sees reduced retail footfall, which likely explains the lower rates of shoplifting compared to December, though the category still saw a notable 73.2% increase from the previous month. Violence and sexual offences, while remaining the most common category, were 16% below the UK average, a trend that may be linked to local policing strategies or demographic factors. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 29% above the UK average, suggesting that community engagement or environmental factors in Dacorum may be contributing to this disparity. The seasonal context of January—shorter days, colder weather, and post-holiday lulls—likely influenced the overall crime profile, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of the month. This pattern is consistent with other UK areas, though Dacorum's unique mix of urban and rural environments may shape specific crime trends.

January 2026 saw a stark increase in shoplifting, with reported cases rising by 73.2% to 97 incidents, the highest count for this category in the month. This surge may reflect post-holiday retail activity. Bicycle theft also spiked by 150%, jumping from 2 to 5 cases, a trend that could relate to increased outdoor activity during daylight hours or changes in theft patterns. Conversely, theft from the person and robbery both fell by 50%, with 2 and 3 incidents respectively, offering a potential glimpse into the effectiveness of local deterrents or seasonal lulls in opportunistic crime. Dacorum's rates for drugs, public order, and burglary were all significantly below the UK average, with drugs-related crime 29% lower and public order offences 52% lower. These disparities suggest a unique local context, influenced by community initiatives or demographic factors that mitigate certain types of criminal activity.

Dacorum's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a 3.2% decrease from the previous month's 6.3 per 1,000. This marks a continued downward trend, with the area remaining 10.3% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 32 crimes were reported across the 31 days, translating to a local figure of one crime for every 163 residents over the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, showing that while crime remains a concern, the frequency is relatively low compared to national benchmarks. The reduction in overall crime aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when post-holiday activity wanes and retail footfall declines. These factors likely contribute to lower rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime, though some categories, such as anti-social behaviour, remain above the UK average. The combination of localised factors and broader seasonal trends helps explain the nuanced shifts in crime distribution.