King's Lynn Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

King's Lynn's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.8% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's status as a historic market town with a mix of commercial and residential zones. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.2% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (16.1%) and criminal damage and arson (10.0%). These patterns align with the area's seasonal context: January, a post-holiday month, typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may contribute to lower outdoor crime rates but could also drive indoor or targeted offences. The sharp rise in shoplifting—despite the usual post-Christmas lull—suggests potential shifts in offender behaviour or targeted retail vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the relatively low burglary rate (1.3% of total crimes) may reflect the area's compact built-up nature, where properties are often clustered and visible to passersby. This data underscores the need for ongoing analysis of how local rhythms, such as market days or seasonal events, intersect with crime trends.

January 2026 saw a 400% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 2 to 10 incidents—a stark contrast to the 75% drop in bicycle theft and theft from the person, which fell from 8 to 2 and 4 to 1 respectively. These shifts highlight a notable reallocation of criminal activity, with property-focused crimes declining while vehicle-related offences surged. The rise in vehicle crime may be linked to increased winter vehicle usage or changes in parking patterns, though further data would be needed to confirm. Conversely, the 75% decline in bicycle theft could reflect seasonal inactivity or improved security measures around local transport hubs. Shoplifting also rose by 24.5%, reaching 61 incidents—111% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This disparity suggests King's Lynn's retail sectors may face unique challenges, such as high-value items in certain stores or gaps in surveillance. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained 46% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area's community-focused policing or the influence of its historic town layout, which limits secluded spaces for such activities.

The January 2026 crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 marked a 2.3% decline from the previous month's 7.8, indicating a slight but measurable reduction in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 12 reported crimes per day, a figure that, while localised, provides a tangible sense of frequency for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the impact of crime within the community. This statistic, when viewed alongside the population of 49,941, underscores that the vast majority of residents remain unaffected by crime. However, the sharp increase in vehicle crime and the persistent elevation of shoplifting above UK averages highlight areas requiring targeted interventions. The 46% gap between King's Lynn's anti-social behaviour rate and the UK average also suggests that local efforts in community engagement or environmental design may be contributing to this disparity, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. These comparisons offer a nuanced perspective on how King's Lynn's crime profile diverges from national trends, balancing both challenges and relative strengths.