Market Harborough Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Market Harborough maintained its position as a relatively low-crime market town, with a total crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents—38.2% below the UK average. The breakdown of offences revealed a clear distinction between property and violent crime, with property-related incidents accounting for 43.9% of the total (46 crimes) compared to 30.0% for violent offences (32 crimes). This imbalance suggests that the town’s crime profile is shaped by factors such as its commercial and retail infrastructure, which may contribute to higher rates of theft and vehicle crime. The seasonal context of January—a period marked by shorter days, reduced footfall in retail areas, and the post-holiday lull—likely influenced the overall crime pattern. For instance, shoplifting incidents, which are typically associated with high street activity, fell by 16.7% compared to the previous month, consistent with the reduced presence of shoppers during this time. Meanwhile, the dominance of property crime may reflect the town’s economic character, with businesses and residential areas remaining vulnerable to targeted offences. The most common category of crime reported was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 29.9% of all incidents, though this rate was 52% below the UK average. This figure, when considered alongside the town’s lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (57% below UK) and public order offences (29% below UK), illustrates a community that, while not immune to crime, consistently performs better than the national average in managing more serious and disruptive incidents. The overall crime rate’s proximity to the UK average for certain categories—such as other theft (13% below UK) and criminal damage (17% below UK)—indicates that the town’s security measures and community engagement efforts may be effective in mitigating broader crime trends.

The balance between property and violent crime in January 2026 revealed a marked dominance of property-related offences, with 46 incidents reported compared to 32 violent crimes. This shift, while not unprecedented, suggests a possible realignment in the town’s crime profile, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced tourism and quieter retail activity. Among the most notable month-on-month changes was the 38.5% decline in violence and sexual offences, a decrease that could be attributed to the post-holiday lull in social interactions or the impact of colder weather on outdoor gatherings. Conversely, drug-related crimes saw a 200% increase, with the number of incidents rising from two to six. This surge, though small in absolute terms, may indicate emerging challenges in local policing or changes in community dynamics. The UK comparison data further highlights the town’s relative safety: violence and sexual offences in Market Harborough were 52% below the national average, while anti-social behaviour incidents were 57% below the UK rate. Such figures underscore the area’s consistent performance in maintaining lower levels of serious crime compared to the broader UK context.

The crime rate in Market Harborough for January 2026 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 10.9% decline from the previous month’s rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This decrease aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in market towns, where post-holiday periods often see reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor activities. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three reported crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the town’s generally secure environment. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 241 residents, illustrating a relatively low monthly exposure compared to larger urban centres. This statistic, when contextualised against the town’s population of 25,763, suggests that residents face a lower likelihood of encountering crime than in areas with higher population densities or more concentrated commercial activity. The drop in violent crime—specifically a 38.5% reduction in violence and sexual offences—may partly explain the overall decline, though the simultaneous rise in drug-related incidents raises questions about shifting patterns within the community.