Ashbourne Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ashbourne's January 2026 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 29.4% reduction compared to the UK average, highlighting the area's consistently lower crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 46.7% of all reported incidents, though this rate remains 12% below the national average for this category. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common offence, with 15.6% of total crimes, a figure 23% above the UK average for this type. This anomaly may reflect the area's retail presence, though January's post-holiday period—characterised by reduced footfall and shorter days—typically suppresses such activity. The data also reveals a significant gap between Ashbourne and national trends in anti-social behaviour, which was 46% below the UK average. This could be attributed to the area's rural nature and limited nightlife, which reduces opportunities for such incidents. Meanwhile, the relatively high rate of shoplifting contrasts with the unusually low levels of public order offences, which fell 83.3% month-on-month. These fluctuations underscore the combination of local factors, such as seasonal rhythms and community dynamics, in shaping crime patterns. The overall crime rate, while stable, remains a stark outlier compared to national figures, reinforcing Ashbourne's status as a low-crime built-up area within a predominantly rural region.

January 2026 saw unexpected spikes in drugs-related crimes, vehicle crime, and burglary, each doubling from the previous month. This marks a stark contrast to the 83.3% drop in public order offences, which fell from six to one. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 46.7% of all crimes, though this rate is 12% below the UK average. Shoplifting, typically a seasonal concern, rose slightly to 15.6% of total crimes, 23% above the UK average for this category. The increase in vehicle crime may reflect heightened activity during the post-holiday period, though the small numbers mean this trend requires cautious interpretation. Local residents may find the 100% rise in burglary, from zero to one incident, particularly noteworthy, suggesting a rare but isolated occurrence in this typically low-risk area.

Ashbourne's crime rate in January 2026 fell slightly to 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a 2.1% decrease from the previous month's 4.9 per 1,000. This minor decline aligns with typical January patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower outdoor crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 210 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. Daily crime statistics show an average of one crime per day in Ashbourne, a low figure compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 9,440, the area's crime profile remains below the UK average, reflecting its rural character and limited commercial density. The consistent low rate suggests that local factors—such as community cohesion and limited high-traffic zones—may play a role in maintaining this trend.