Nottingham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Nottingham's crime profile in January 2026 was defined by a stark contrast between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating both in absolute numbers and as a share of total offences. The city recorded 12.4 crimes per 1,000 residents — 82.4% above the UK average — a figure that highlights persistent challenges in public safety. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 1341 incidents (32.6% of all crimes), a rate 64% higher than the national average, while anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed closely with 544 and 516 cases respectively. This pattern suggests a combination of factors, including the city's role as a regional hub with a mix of urban and suburban areas. Seasonal context may also play a role: January's shorter days and post-holiday retail environment could have contributed to higher shoplifting rates, while the reduced outdoor activity typical of winter may have limited opportunities for certain crimes. However, the dominance of violent crime over property crime — despite the latter's higher overall count — indicates a shift in the city's crime profile, linked to social dynamics or policing priorities. The data also reveals that theft from the person, though lower than other categories, was 17% below the UK average, a small but notable deviation that may reflect local policing efforts or demographic factors. These findings underscore the need for a nuanced approach to crime prevention, balancing measures that address both violent and property-related offences while accounting for seasonal and geographic influences.

The crime mix in January 2026 showed a pronounced tilt toward violent crime, with violence and sexual offences making up 32.6% of all reported incidents — a share significantly higher than property crimes (28.6%). This shift was accompanied by a 22.3% increase in shoplifting, which rose from 422 to 516 cases, likely linked to post-holiday retail activity and shorter daylight hours. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by 19%, from 58 to 47 incidents, possibly reflecting reduced foot traffic in shopping areas during January. Drug-related crimes also surged by 35.8%, climbing from 148 to 201 cases — a rise that may indicate seasonal fluctuations in substance use or enforcement patterns. Shoplifting's 181% above the UK average (1.6 vs 0.6 per 1,000) suggests a localised challenge in retail sectors, which could inform targeted prevention strategies for businesses and law enforcement.

Nottingham's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 3.8% compared to the previous month, moving from 12.0 to 12.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, places the city's monthly crime count at 4115 — equivalent to 133 crimes reported each day. For context, this means one crime occurred for roughly every 80 residents over the course of the month, a figure that reflects both the city's population density and the persistent demand for policing resources. The 12.4 rate remains 82.4% above the UK average, a gap that underscores the need for targeted interventions. While daily crime counts provide a snapshot of urgency, the monthly exposure metric illustrates the broader societal impact, showing that no resident is entirely insulated from the risk of being a victim. This pattern aligns with Nottingham's role as a regional hub with a complex mix of urban and suburban areas, where high foot traffic and transient populations may contribute to sustained crime levels.