Weston (Dorset) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Weston (Dorset) recorded 38 crimes in January 2026, equating to a crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents—5.9% above the UK average of 6.8. For a built-up area with a population of 5,300, this represents a relatively low volume of incidents, though the disparity from the national average warrants attention. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 15 cases (39.5% of all crimes), significantly outpacing the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. This surge may be tied to post-holiday patterns, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter days, potentially exacerbating tensions in community spaces. Violence and sexual offences, while lower than the UK average, showed a 66.7% decrease from the previous month, reflecting seasonal lulls in alcohol-related incidents or improved policing efforts. The breakdown highlights a stark contrast between property crimes (24% of total) and violent crimes (18.4%), with criminal damage and arson (15.8%) and other theft (13.2%) also contributing to the mix. These patterns align with the area’s character as a smaller, commuter-focused built-up area where anti-social behaviour and property crimes are more prevalent than in larger urban centres. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with reduced foot traffic—may also explain the 80% drop in shoplifting, as retail environments see fewer potential targets. However, the doubling of public order offences and burglary raises questions about local factors, such as increased transient populations or changes in policing focus during the month.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in public order offences and burglary, both doubling from zero to two incidents. This spike contrasts with a significant 80% drop in shoplifting, which fell from five to one. Anti-social behaviour remained the most common crime, occurring at 201% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences also saw a notable decrease, dropping by two-thirds compared to the previous month. The shift in crime mix suggests a move away from retail-related incidents toward public disorder and property crimes. For residents, the 100% rise in burglary may signal heightened awareness of home security during the post-holiday period. The UK average for violence and sexual offences was 2.5 per 1,000, yet Weston recorded only 1.3 per 1,000, a 48% deficit that could reflect local policing effectiveness or seasonal factors.

Weston (Dorset) recorded 38 crimes in January 2026, translating to one reported crime for roughly every 139 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure places the area’s crime experience in a relatable context for local residents. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime per day, a figure that reflects the low overall crime rate despite the 5.9% above UK average. The previous month’s rate of 8.3 per 1,000 fell by 13.6% to reach January’s current level, suggesting a possible seasonal or situational shift. With a population of 5,300, the 38 crimes reported equate to a manageable number for a built-up area, though the 1-in-139 resident monthly exposure highlights the need for continued awareness. The daily crime count, while low, underscores the importance of community vigilance and local policing efforts in maintaining safety.