Rochford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rochford’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 54.4% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a broader trend of declining crime in the area, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 50.4% of all reported incidents. These crimes, at 1.6 per 1,000, were 36% below the UK average, a disparity that may be attributed to local policing strategies or community initiatives. Vehicle crime, at 0.4 per 1,000, aligned closely with national rates, suggesting no significant regional divergence in this category. Other theft and anti-social behaviour also showed marked improvements, with the former 35% below the UK average and the latter 78% below. These reductions are consistent with the post-holiday season, when reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours typically dampen opportunities for certain crimes. However, the persistence of violence as the dominant category indicates ongoing challenges in addressing this issue. The seasonal context—characterised by lower footfall in commercial areas and fewer outdoor events—likely contributes to the overall decline, though the exact mechanisms remain subject to further analysis.

Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 50.4% of all reported crimes—36% below the UK average. This contrasts with the 8% increase in vehicle crime, which matched the national rate. A notable shift occurred in anti-social behaviour, which dropped by 43.2% compared to December, possibly linked to the post-holiday lull in public gatherings. Conversely, drug-related offences rose by 22.2%, a trend that may reflect ongoing challenges in this area. The significant 75% decline in possession of weapons—down from four to one incident—suggests potential success in local enforcement efforts or reduced opportunities for such crimes. These changes underscore the combination of seasonal factors and targeted interventions shaping Rochford’s crime profile.

Rochford's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 3.1 per 1,000 residents, an 18.7% decrease from December’s 3.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the post-holiday period, when retail footfall typically wanes and outdoor activity reduces. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately nine crimes reported each day, a figure that reflects both the month’s length and the overall trend. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 318 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains well below the UK average. When scaled to population, this suggests Rochford’s residents face a lower risk of encountering crime compared to other areas. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and public order offences—down 43.2% and 52.4% respectively—may partly explain this shift, as these categories often correlate with seasonal fluctuations. However, the rise in drug-related crimes (+22.2%) highlights a persistent challenge that could signal evolving patterns requiring further attention.