Doncaster Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Doncaster's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 10.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 50% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure underscores the area's continued challenge in managing crime relative to national standards. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (35% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (13.5%) and shoplifting (9.3%). These patterns align with the area's character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and suburban communities, where high foot traffic in retail and public spaces may contribute to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors also appear to influence crime trends, as January's post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours may have reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes, though this does not fully explain the persistent above-average rates. The dominance of violent crimes suggests ongoing issues with community safety, linked to socioeconomic factors or gaps in policing resources. Meanwhile, the lower rates of theft from the person and bicycle theft may indicate the effectiveness of targeted interventions or seasonal deterrents. However, the significant rise in drug-related incidents and vehicle crime highlights the need for further analysis to address these emerging trends.

January 2026 saw a 6.7% reduction in bicycle theft, the only category among the top 10 crimes to decrease. This decline may reflect the impact of seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours, which could limit opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, drug-related incidents rose by 27.2%, a significant increase that may indicate shifts in local drug markets or policing priorities. Vehicle crime also increased by 15.6%, linked to the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, which may have altered patterns of vehicle-related offences. Violence and sexual offences remained 44% above the UK average, highlighting ongoing concerns in this category. These findings suggest a mixed picture, with some areas of improvement and others requiring closer attention.

Doncaster's crime rate remained stable in January 2026, with a 1.6% increase from the previous month's 10.1 to 10.2 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in crime patterns over the short term, though the rate remains 50% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 105 crimes per day, reflecting the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 98 residents over the course of January, highlighting the frequency of incidents within the population. This figure underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies, particularly in areas where crime rates are high compared to national benchmarks. The population context further illustrates the scale of the issue, as 319,765 residents collectively experience a significant number of incidents, which may influence local perceptions of safety and trust in law enforcement.