Wellingborough Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Wellingborough's crime profile in January 2026, accounting for 36.4% of all reported crimes. At 9.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's overall crime rate was 38.2% higher than the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark deviation reflects a pattern of persistent violent crime, with 193 incidents recorded—36% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.1% of total crimes, while shoplifting made up 9.3%. The seasonal context of January, marked by post-holiday periods and shorter daylight hours, may contribute to increased indoor disputes and reduced deterrence for outdoor crimes. However, the area's crime profile contrasts with the UK average in several ways: drug-related offences were 150% above the national rate, and public order offences rose sharply by 72.2% compared to the previous month. These figures suggest a combination of local factors, including potential challenges in addressing substance misuse and managing community tensions. The relatively low rates of burglary and bicycle theft—2.3% and 0.4% of total crimes respectively—contrast with the UK average, indicating that property crime may not be the primary concern for residents. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in violent crime prevention and community engagement strategies to address the disproportionate rise in anti-social behaviour and drug-related incidents.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Public order offences surged by 72.2%, rising from 18 to 31 incidents—a sharp increase that may reflect heightened tensions during colder weather or post-holiday social dynamics. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson climbed by 46.2%, with 38 incidents reported, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as increased indoor activities or reduced community oversight. Conversely, burglary and bicycle theft both declined: burglary fell 53.8% to 12 incidents, and bicycle theft dropped 60% to just two cases. This decline could be attributed to colder weather deterring outdoor crimes or improved security measures in residential areas. Drug-related offences remained high, with 37 incidents recorded—150% above the UK average. This suggests ongoing challenges in addressing substance misuse within the area. The breakdown of crimes also reveals a striking contrast: while theft from the person dropped by 50% to one incident, drugs-related crimes were 150% above the UK average, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in both sectors. These shifts in crime patterns indicate that while some categories are improving, others require urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Wellingborough's crime rate in January 2026 rose 2.4% compared to the previous month, from 9.1 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This small but notable increase places the area firmly above the UK average, with a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 107 residents. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 17 crimes per day, a figure that, while not excessively high, underscores the persistent nature of local crime. When compared to the UK average, Wellingborough's violent crime rate was 36% higher, and anti-social behaviour was 51% above the national average—both figures suggesting a need for enhanced community policing and social support initiatives. The population context further illustrates the scale: with 56,709 residents, the 530 reported crimes equate to a daily frequency that, while not overwhelming, demands attention from local authorities. The stark contrast between Wellingborough's drug-related crime rate (150% above the UK average) and its relatively low burglary rate (29% below the UK average) highlights the area's unique challenges. These disparities suggest that targeted strategies addressing substance misuse and anti-social behaviour may yield greater impact than broad-based crime prevention measures. The comparison with the UK average also reveals opportunities for benchmarking best practices in areas where Wellingborough underperforms, such as in reducing violent crime and managing public order incidents.