Downham Market Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 marked a notable anomaly in Downham Market's crime profile, with Bicycle theft standing out as the most significant outlier. At 0.1 per 1,000 residents, this rate was 100% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, despite the area’s overall crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000—36.8% below the UK average of 6.8. This discrepancy highlights the combination of localized factors and national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.3% of all incidents, a figure that remains 32% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (16.7%) and criminal damage and arson (10.0%) followed, both significantly below national benchmarks. The post-holiday period likely contributed to the seasonal context, with reduced retail footfall and shorter days potentially dampening opportunities for shoplifting and other outdoor crimes. However, the sharp rise in Bicycle theft, despite the area’s rural character, suggests unmet needs for secure storage or increased awareness around bike safety. This data underscores the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to address both persistent and emerging issues, ensuring that the town’s relatively low crime rate is maintained while addressing specific vulnerabilities.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in three categories: Other crime (+200%), Criminal damage and arson (+100%), and Bicycle theft (+100%). These jumps, particularly in Bicycle theft, which was 100% above the UK average, suggest emerging patterns or localized factors influencing crime trends. Conversely, Shoplifting fell by 40% and Other theft decreased by 14.3%, potentially reflecting reduced retail activity during the post-holiday period. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type (38.3% of total), remained 32% below the UK average, illustrating a stark contrast between Downham Market and national trends. For residents, the 100% increase in Bicycle theft is a clear data point to consider, especially given the area's rural character and the potential for unsecured bike storage in local neighbourhoods.

Downham Market's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 33.5% compared to December 2025, increasing from 3.3 to 4.3 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though still significantly below the UK average of 6.8, reflects a shift in local dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day—a figure that, while low, highlights the persistent presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 231 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 13,836, the scale of crime remains manageable, but the 33.5% increase suggests potential factors such as seasonal transitions or localized pressures influencing the local crime picture. This rate, though modest, warrants attention to understand the drivers behind the rise and ensure continued community safety.