Wigston Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Wigston recorded a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20.6% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This rate, though modest, reflects a built-up area within Oadby and Wigston that likely balances urban and suburban characteristics. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.9% of all reported incidents. This category, while 8% below the UK average (2.5 per 1,000), remains a significant concern for local authorities. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 11.5% of total crimes, and was 35% below the UK average. Seasonal factors may have played a role in these figures, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter days, both of which can influence crime patterns. The data also highlights a notable contrast between property and violent crimes: property-related offences (58 incidents) accounted for 30.4% of total crimes, while violent crimes (82 incidents) dominated at 42.9%. This imbalance suggests that personal safety remains a priority for residents, particularly given the area’s likely mix of residential and commercial zones. The lower rates of shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000, 30% below UK average) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000, 46% below UK average) may be attributed to the post-holiday lull in retail activity and the area’s lower density of car parks or commuter traffic. These patterns illustrate how local geography and seasonal rhythms can shape crime trends, even within a relatively safe built-up area.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in January 2026 was the 100% increase in possession of weapons, rising from one incident to two. This spike, while small in absolute terms, reflects a sharp upward trend in a category that typically remains low. Concurrently, theft from the person also surged by 100%, marking the first reported incident in this category for the month. These increases contrast with significant declines elsewhere: burglary fell by 45.5%, and vehicle crime dropped by 40.0%, likely influenced by post-holiday seasonal patterns and reduced outdoor activity. The crime mix also shifted with violent crimes accounting for 42.9% of all incidents—well above the UK average for this category (2.5 per 1,000, 8% below Wigston’s 2.3 per 1,000). Conversely, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour both fell sharply below UK averages by 30% and 35% respectively, suggesting that local factors such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas may have dampened these types. Residents may find the 100% rise in weapons-related incidents particularly concerning, as it highlights a potential increase in illicit activity despite the overall decline in crime rates.

Wigston’s crime rate in January 2026 fell to 5.4 per 1,000 residents, a 5.4% decrease from December’s 5.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours often correlate with lower outdoor crime. Locally, the average resident faced a 1-in-185 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the month, reflecting a relatively low exposure compared to other areas. Daily, the area recorded roughly six crimes per day, a figure that translates to a manageable frequency for community policing. The drop in burglary and vehicle crime—down 45.5% and 40.0% respectively—may partly explain the overall rate reduction, though these decreases contrast with the 100% rise in possession of weapons. This shift underscores the complexity of crime trends, where certain categories can surge even as others decline. The population context further highlights that, despite the 5.4 per 1,000 rate, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stands at 6.8 per 1,000. These statistics offer residents a clearer picture of their local crime environment, particularly as they relate to specific categories like weapons-related incidents.