Burton upon Trent Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Burton upon Trent’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a clear dominance of violent over property crime, a trend that may reflect the town’s socio-economic dynamics and seasonal rhythms. With 271 violent crimes reported—accounting for 45.8% of the total 592 incidents—the area’s crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents is 22.1% above the UK average of 6.8. This disparity is most acute in violence and sexual offences (3.8 per 1,000), which are 52% higher than the national average, and public order offences (0.8 per 1,000), 90% above the UK rate. These figures suggest a possible correlation with the town’s built-up environment, where public spaces and community interactions may amplify opportunities for such crimes. Property crimes, though lower in absolute numbers (153), include shoplifting and criminal damage at levels 23% and 4% above the UK average, respectively, indicating ongoing challenges in retail and public infrastructure sectors. Seasonal context further complicates the picture: January, with its post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, typically sees fewer property crimes but may see increased interpersonal conflict due to colder weather and shorter days. This seasonal pattern is consistent with data from similar urban centres, where violent crime often rises during the winter months. However, the sharp drop in vehicle crime (from 27 to 11 incidents) and burglary (from 26 to 14) compared to December 2025 suggests that environmental factors, such as reduced commuter activity, may play a role in shaping local crime trends. While these shifts highlight the need for targeted interventions, the overall rate remains a concern for local authorities and residents alike.

January 2026 saw a stark shift in the crime mix, with violent crimes (271) comprising 45.8% of all reported incidents—more than double the 25.8% share for property crimes (153). This imbalance, particularly pronounced in violence and sexual offences (3.8 per 1,000), which are 52% above the UK average, raises questions about local factors influencing interpersonal crime. Month-on-month changes reveal a 50% increase in theft from the person, a 33.3% rise in ‘other crime,’ and a 23.9% jump in public order offences, all of which may reflect post-holiday disruptions or heightened tensions in community spaces. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary both dropped sharply—by 59.3% and 46.2%, respectively—potentially linked to reduced commuter activity during the colder months. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of crime in this built-up area, where seasonal rhythms and local demographics appear to shape patterns more than broader national trends.

Burton upon Trent’s crime rate in January 2026 (8.3 per 1,000 residents) represents a 13.1% decrease from the previous month’s 9.6 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in built-up areas, where reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower outdoor crime activity. Daily crime statistics show 19 crimes reported each day in January, a figure that, while consistent with the town’s historical trends, remains higher than the UK average. When scaled to the population of 71,239, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 120 residents—a rate that underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety in this urban centre. The drop from the prior month is particularly pronounced in vehicle crime and burglary, both of which fell by over 40%, suggesting a possible seasonal lull in property-related offences. However, the overall rate remains 22.1% above the UK average, highlighting the need for sustained focus on addressing local risk factors.