Accrington Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 marked a combination of trends in Accrington, where the overall crime rate of 12.1 per 1,000 residents—77.9% above the UK average—reflected both seasonal and structural factors. The most prevalent crime type, violence and sexual offences (37.7% of all incidents), highlights the area's ongoing challenges with interpersonal conflict, likely exacerbated by the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall that can strain community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.5 per 1,000, emerged as the second most common category, 169% above the UK average, a figure that may correlate with the built-up nature of the area and limited recreational spaces for youth. Shoplifting, while lower than in previous months, remained 111% above the national average, suggesting persistent vulnerabilities in retail security. Seasonal context indicates that January's shorter days and post-holiday lull may have dampened outdoor crime, yet the dominance of violence and anti-social behaviour suggests deeper, year-round issues. The area's position within Hyndburn—a mix of urban and semi-rural zones—may contribute to these patterns, with high-density housing and limited public amenities driving both property and violent crime. While the UK average crime rate in January 2026 was 6.8 per 1,000, Accrington's rate indicates a need for tailored strategies addressing both immediate incidents and systemic risk factors.

January 2026 saw a sharp increase in public order offences, rising from 13 to 30 cases—a 130.8% jump. This spike, combined with a 100% rise in bicycle theft, highlights shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. While theft from the person dropped by 75.0% (from 4 to 1), the overall crime mix remains heavily skewed toward violence and anti-social behaviour, which together account for 57.9% of all incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 4.6 per 1,000, remain 84% above the UK average, a disparity that likely reflects the area's dense built-up environment and limited public space for informal conflict resolution. The rate of anti-social behaviour—2.5 per 1,000—exceeds the UK average by 169%, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in high-traffic residential areas. These trends contrast with the UK-wide decline in shoplifting, where Accrington's rate of 1.2 per 1,000 is 111% above the national average, pointing to persistent vulnerabilities in retail security.

Accrington's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 6.0% compared to December 2025, dropping from 12.9 to 12.1 per 1,000 residents. This monthly decline suggests a slight moderation in reported incidents. above the UK average. Locally, 14 crimes were recorded daily on average, a figure that reflects the area's persistent challenges with crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 82 residents, a statistic that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of 36,258. While the reduction from the previous month may indicate temporary stabilisation, the high baseline rate means residents still face a significantly elevated risk compared to the national average. The daily crime count, though lower than December, remains a stark reminder of the need for continued attention to local policing strategies and community engagement efforts.