Locking Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw Locking record a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 22.1% below the UK average of 6.8. This marked a significant shift from the previous month, with the overall rate dropping by 47.2% as the area entered a post-holiday lull. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.6% of all incidents (15 cases), a rate of 2.8 per 1,000. This figure was 12% above the UK average for the category, suggesting a higher concentration of violent incidents in Locking compared to the national trend. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, each contributing 14.3% of the total crimes. Public order offences were 90% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 46% reduction in vehicle crime, which was 30% below the national rate. Seasonal factors likely influenced the data, as January’s shorter days and reduced retail activity may have curbed outdoor crimes. However, the persistent above-average rate of violence and sexual offences raises questions about local dynamics, possibly linked to the area’s built-up nature and community interactions. While the drop in anti-social behaviour and public order offences suggests a quieter month, the higher-than-average violent crime rate highlights areas for further scrutiny, particularly in addressing underlying factors that contribute to such incidents.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift was in public order offences, which fell by 50% from 8 to 4 incidents. This decline, alongside a 42.9% drop in anti-social behaviour and a 50% reduction in criminal damage and arson, signals a marked reduction in disruptive incidents. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest category, contributing 53.6% of all crimes, though their rate (2.8 per 1,000) was 12% above the UK average. Vehicle crime in Locking was 46% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s lower density and potential for fewer vehicles in residential zones. These changes highlight a shift in crime dynamics, with violent crimes persisting at a higher rate than the national average but property-related offences falling significantly.

Locking’s crime rate in January 2026 fell sharply by 47.2% compared to December 2025, dropping from 10.0 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the post-holiday lull typical in January, when retail footfall and outdoor activity wane. Daily crime figures show an average of one reported incident per day, a stark contrast to the 3.2 per day recorded in December. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 189 residents, a marked improvement from the 56 residents per crime in December. This reduction may partly reflect seasonal factors, such as shorter daylight hours curbing outdoor crimes, though the area’s small population and built-up nature likely contribute to the lower baseline. The drop underscores a broader trend of reduced anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which fell by 50% each, suggesting a quieter community dynamic during the month.