Rothwell (Leeds) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rothwell (Leeds) recorded a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 2.9% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a built-up urban environment where the mix of residential and commercial activity contributes to a moderate but consistent crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.3% of all reported crimes, making them the most common category, followed by vehicle crime (12.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the lower-than-expected shoplifting rates, though this category still saw a notable doubling from December. The area's proximity to Leeds city centre may explain the high proportion of vehicle crime, as parking spaces and traffic density create opportunities for theft. Despite the overall rate being slightly above the UK average, the breakdown shows some categories, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, are below national levels. This suggests that while certain aspects of the local crime picture align with urban trends, others reflect unique characteristics of the Rothwell neighbourhood. The data also indicates a potential seasonal pattern in drug-related crimes, which may be influenced by colder weather driving activity indoors or changes in policing priorities during the winter months.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in January 2026 was the 400% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from two to ten incidents. This jump, though small in absolute terms, reflects a significant change in the crime mix and may partly explain the overall rate's rise. Shoplifting also doubled, with eight incidents reported compared to four in December, a stark contrast to the seasonal context of reduced retail footfall typically seen in January. Vehicle crime and criminal damage both exceeded UK averages by over 100%, highlighting persistent issues in this category. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by two-thirds, from three to one incident, suggesting a possible shift in criminal activity patterns. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of local crime trends, with some categories showing marked volatility. Residents may find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it indicates a growing risk for cyclists in the area.

Rothwell (Leeds) saw a 3.4% increase in its overall crime rate in January 2026, rising from 6.8 to 7.0 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 2.9% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately five crimes each day, a figure that reflects the built-up nature of the neighbourhood and its proximity to Leeds city centre. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 143 residents, a metric that contextualises the frequency of incidents relative to the local population. This monthly exposure rate is consistent with other urban areas in the North of England, where population density and foot traffic contribute to higher recorded crime rates. The slight upward trend from December 2025 suggests seasonal fluctuations may be at play to any specific event or policy change.