Holywell (Flintshire) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Holywell in January 2026 reveals a combination of property and violent crime, with the latter narrowly outpacing the former. At 9.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's rate is 33.8% above the UK average of 6.8, a disparity that raises questions about local factors influencing criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.2% of all incidents (31 cases), a figure that exceeds the UK average by 44% and highlights a persistent challenge in addressing personal safety. Shoplifting, the second most common crime (22.8% of total), surged to 18 incidents—268% above the UK average—and may reflect seasonal patterns tied to post-holiday retail activity. The seasonal context of January, marked by shorter days and reduced footfall in commercial areas, likely contributes to these patterns, though the sharp rise in shoplifting defies typical post-Christmas trends. Anti-social behaviour (11.4% of total) and criminal damage (6.3%) also feature prominently, suggesting a broader pattern of disorder that may be exacerbated by the area's built-up character and limited public spaces for community engagement. These figures, while concerning, must be contextualised within the area's demographic profile as a small built-up area within Flintshire, where crime prevention strategies may need to balance targeted interventions with community-based approaches.

The most striking shift in January 2026 was the 800% increase in shoplifting, rising from 2 to 18 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 150% rise in criminal damage and arson, suggests a significant change in criminal behaviour during the post-holiday period. Violent crimes, comprising 39.2% of total incidents, remain 44% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, a disparity that contrasts sharply with the 268% UK gap for shoplifting. The 75% decrease in 'other crime' (from 4 to 1) offers a counterpoint, though this category's low base figures limit its analytical value. Residents may find the 18 shoplifting incidents particularly concerning, given the area's small size and the potential for these crimes to disrupt local businesses.

Holywell's crime rate in January 2026 (9.1 per 1,000 residents) represents an 83.6% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 4.9 per 1,000. This surge translates to roughly 3 crimes reported daily across the built-up area, a figure that underscores the intensity of incidents over the 31-day period. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 crime per 110 residents highlights the proportion of the community affected by crime each month. This statistic, while local-specific, provides residents with a tangible measure of risk. The area's small population of 8,711 means that crime impacts a significant portion of the community relative to larger urban centres, though it remains below the national average in some categories. However, the sharp rise in violent crime and shoplifting suggests a need for targeted local responses.