Peterborough Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of Peterborough's size—home to 223,655 residents—2,294 reported crimes in January 2026 equates to one incident for every 97 residents over the course of the month. This volume places the local authority district at 10.3 crimes per 1,000 people, a rate 56.1% higher than the UK average of 6.6. The data reveals a starkly uneven distribution of crime types, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 40.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.3%) and criminal damage and arson (7.9%). These patterns align with Peterborough's urban character, where concentrated populations and social services may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to a shift in crime dynamics, with fewer outdoor crimes but increased indoor or targeted offences. While the overall crime rate is concerning, the breakdown shows that property crimes are not the primary driver; instead, violent and anti-social incidents dominate. This suggests that social factors, such as community cohesion and access to support services, may be more critical to addressing the root causes of crime than physical security measures. The UK comparison highlights Peterborough's elevated risk, but it also underscores the need for localised solutions that reflect the city's unique demographics and infrastructure.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 175% increase in robbery cases, rising from 8 to 22. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, signals a concerning trend that may be linked to post-holiday economic pressures or increased opportunism during shorter daylight hours. Vehicle crime also surged by 31.9%, with 91 incidents reported—well above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. This could reflect seasonal factors such as reduced retail footfall affecting car parks or increased vehicle idling in colder weather. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 15.8% to 16 cases, a decline that may be attributed to colder temperatures deterring outdoor theft. The category of 'other crime'—which includes unclassified offences—was 150% above the UK average, highlighting a need for more granular data on emerging criminal activities. These shifts in crime mix suggest that property-related offences are becoming a growing concern relative to violent crimes, which accounted for 40.9% of all incidents.

Peterborough's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 10.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.4. This translates to roughly 74 crimes reported daily across the city, a figure that underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 97 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Peterborough significantly above the UK average. While this statistic does not directly compare to national figures, it provides a clear snapshot of the local burden. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, for every 1,000 residents, Peterborough experiences nearly double the average UK crime rate. This context is critical for residents and local authorities assessing risk and resource allocation. The increase in vehicle crime (+31.9%) and robbery (+175%) suggests shifting patterns that may require targeted interventions.