St Neots Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

St Neots recorded a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 25% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a safer-than-average environment, though specific crime types show notable trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.6% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.4%) and shoplifting (8.5%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—may partly explain the lower overall rate, though some crime categories defied this pattern. For instance, shoplifting increased sharply despite the expected downturn in retail activity, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in local security measures or unmet demand for goods. The dominance of violent crimes over property crimes (63 vs 60) contrasts with national trends, where property crimes typically outnumber violent ones. This imbalance may be linked to the area’s characteristics: as a built-up market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, St Neots likely experiences higher concentrations of interpersonal conflicts in public spaces. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) align with its lower population density and more secure housing stock compared to larger urban centres. However, the rise in bicycle theft and robbery—both of which are above UK averages—highlights specific vulnerabilities that warrant targeted attention from local authorities and residents.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in robbery, bicycle theft, and shoplifting, with robbery alone doubling from 0 to 1 incident. Shoplifting rose by 87.5%, from 8 to 15 cases, a surge that outpaced the UK average for this category (0.6 per 1,000). Bicycle theft also doubled, from 2 to 4, placing St Neots 100% above the UK average for this crime type (0.1 per 1,000). These increases contrast with declines in other areas: criminal damage and arson fell by 47.4%, and vehicle crime dropped by 37.5%. Violent crimes remained 28% below the UK average, with 1.8 per 1,000 residents. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, as shoplifting spikes may be linked to retail closures or reduced staffing during the post-holiday period. The rise in bicycle theft could reflect increased winter cycling or thefts from parked bikes in poorly lit areas.

St Neots' crime rate in January 2026 dropped by 10.1% compared to December 2025, falling from 5.6 to 5.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the post-holiday period, when retail footfall typically decreases and outdoor activity diminishes. Locally, 6 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low overall crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 198 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area’s safety compared to national averages. While the overall trend is downward, this does not negate the need for vigilance in areas where specific crime types have risen. The population context further illustrates that even with a modest absolute number of crimes, localised increases in certain categories demand attention. This balance between broader trends and specific shifts highlights the importance of targeted awareness for residents and local authorities alike.