Leeds Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Leeds' crime rate in January 2026 stood at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, 42.6% above the UK average of 6.8. This places the city significantly higher than the national benchmark, a disparity consistent with its status as a major urban centre with a population exceeding 845,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38% of all incidents and 48% above the UK average. This aligns with the city's demographic profile, where higher population density and diverse communities may contribute to elevated rates of interpersonal crime. Shoplifting and other theft followed, both markedly above national levels, reflecting the impact of retail activity in the city's high streets and shopping areas. Seasonal factors also played a role: January's post-holiday period, shorter days, and reduced retail footfall may have dampened outdoor crime but not eliminated it entirely. The city's crime profile suggests a combination of urban dynamics and local policing efforts, with targeted interventions likely required to address persistent issues such as drug-related offences and burglary.

January saw notable increases in drug-related crimes, with a 49.1% rise to 410 incidents. This surge may be linked to post-holiday demand or colder weather driving illicit activity indoors. Burglary also rose by 18.1%, reaching 534 cases, a figure 114% above the UK average. This could reflect increased home occupancy during winter months or vulnerabilities in certain neighbourhoods. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 22.2%, indicating effective enforcement in recent months. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with 831 incidents—75% above the UK average—likely driven by high foot traffic in retail areas. Residents concerned about personal safety may find the 17% below UK average for theft from the person reassuring, though this category remains a small but consistent part of the crime picture.

Leeds' crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, a 0.6% decrease from the previous month's 9.8 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 265 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the density of population and the scale of urban activity in Leeds. When considering the monthly exposure, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 103 residents over the course of January, highlighting the frequency of incidents within a large and diverse community. This rate, while higher than the UK average, underscores the need for targeted policing and community engagement strategies in areas with significant foot traffic, such as retail centres and public transport hubs.