Kingston upon Thames Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Kingston upon Thames’ crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.5% below the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This position reflects the borough’s blend of urban and suburban characteristics, where established community structures and policing initiatives likely contribute to a relatively stable crime environment. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 29.5% of all reported incidents (321 cases), though this category was 22% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.5% of crimes (201 cases), but this rate was 32% higher than the national average—a disparity that may be linked to the area’s high-density housing and frequent public events. Shoplifting (9.7%) and vehicle crime (8.4%) also featured prominently, though both were slightly above UK levels. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday lulls and reduced retail footfall—likely influenced the overall crime picture, with fewer opportunities for theft and public order offences. However, the persistence of anti-social behaviour and drug-related crimes suggests ongoing challenges in certain neighbourhoods. These patterns align with Kingston’s role as a commuter hub and its proximity to London’s central areas, where transient populations and commercial activity may shape local crime dynamics.

January 2026 saw a 34.4% increase in theft from the person, rising from 32 to 43 incidents—a jump that may reflect heightened vigilance during colder months or shifts in criminal activity patterns. Anti-social behaviour remained a local concern, with rates 32% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in densely populated areas. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 57.1%, from 7 to 3 cases, suggesting a possible impact of seasonal factors or targeted interventions. The rise in drug-related crimes (+28.3%) and other crimes (+50.0%) points to emerging trends that warrant closer monitoring. Bicycle theft dropped by 40.0% to 12 incidents, a decrease that could be linked to reduced outdoor activity in January. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of crime in Kingston, with some categories aligning with national trends while others diverge significantly.

Kingston upon Thames recorded a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, a 10.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.0 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical post-holiday patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime figures show an average of 35 crimes per day, a manageable figure in a borough with 172,692 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 159 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in a relatively stable position compared to other urban centres. The population context further illustrates that while crime is present, it remains proportionally lower than the UK average, reflecting Kingston’s established infrastructure and community resources. This contrast with the UK average—where violence and sexual offences are 22% higher—highlights the borough’s unique crime profile, shaped by its suburban-urban mix and targeted policing strategies.