Rugby Crime Rate

The Rugby local authority area has an overall crime rate of 71.3 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This contributes to a strong safety score of 83/100, compared to the UK average of 79/100. However, the most recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 indicates that crime is on an upward trajectory, with a 6.4% increase year-over-year. With a population of 122,378, Rugby is a significant administrative and commercial district, and its crime figures reflect the activity of a busy market town and logistics hub. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime types and trends to help residents and businesses understand the safety landscape across the district.

About Rugby

Rugby is a historic market town in Warwickshire, perhaps most famous as the birthplace of Rugby football. As a local authority district, its crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography and economic activities. The town is a major logistics and transport hub, situated near the intersection of the M1, M6, and A14, which attracts a high volume of commercial traffic and transient population.

The district includes the main town of Rugby as well as several surrounding suburban and rural areas. The population of 122,378 is a mix of long-standing residents and commuters who benefit from excellent rail links to London and Birmingham. The town centre features a busy retail sector and a diverse nightlife economy, which can contribute to anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Additionally, the presence of major distribution centres and industrial estates on the town's outskirts influences crime patterns related to commercial property. While the overall district maintains a relatively high safety score, the concentration of commercial activity and its role as a transport gateway are key factors in the local crime data.

Crime in Rugby

In the Rugby local authority area, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.3% of all reported incidents, or 25.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 21.1%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.7%. These three categories represent over 65% of all local crime.

Property-related crime in Rugby—including burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—occurs at a rate of 20.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage and arson are the most prominent, while shoplifting and vehicle crime each account for about 5-6% of total crime. Burglary makes up 3.2% of total incidents. For residents and business owners, this indicates that while property crime is less common than the national average, protecting against vandalism and opportunistic theft remains a relevant priority. The data suggests that Rugby is a relatively safe district where security efforts should focus on deterring these specific types of property offences.

Crime Trends in Rugby

The crime rate in Rugby is currently on an upward trend, with a 6.4% increase year-over-year. This indicates that the safety environment in the district is becoming more active. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a gradual increase in activity as the year progressed.

The year began with a low rate of 4.8 in January, rising steadily through the spring and summer. The highest rate of the year was recorded in August at 7.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Following this peak, the rate remained relatively elevated between 5.9 and 6.1 for most of the autumn before dipping slightly to 5.1 in December. This pattern suggests that criminal activity in Rugby may be influenced by the busier summer months and longer daylight hours, which often see increased social and commercial activity. The overall increasing trend serves as a reminder for residents and businesses to remain vigilant and proactive in their security efforts throughout the year.

When comparing Rugby to its neighbouring local authorities, there is a distinct difference in recorded activity. Neighbouring districts such as Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Warwick, Blaby, West Northamptonshire, and Hinckley and Bosworth all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people during this period. This suggests that Rugby serves as a primary regional centre for commercial and social activity, leading to a higher concentration of recorded incidents within its boundaries. For those considering the region, Rugby offers a more active urban environment with a wide range of amenities, while its neighbours appear significantly quieter in terms of recorded criminal activity during this data period.

With a property crime rate of 20.7 per 1,000 residents, Rugby maintains a relatively secure environment, but the 6.4% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should remain proactive. Traditional security measures, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive—they record footage of a crime after it has occurred. In a district like Rugby, where criminal damage and vehicle crime are notable concerns, simply having evidence of the event is often not enough to prevent loss or damage.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats at your property boundary before an incident occurs. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously and using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour—such as someone loitering near a vehicle or home at night—and respond autonomously. Features like deterrent lighting and voice alerts can stop a thief or intruder in their tracks. For Rugby residents and businesses, professional-grade security like scOS provides a powerful deterrent that signals to potential offenders that your property is actively protected, making them far more likely to move on to an easier target elsewhere.

How To Keep Safe in Rugby

The most prevalent crime type in Rugby is violence and sexual offences. Given the town's busy market and nightlife areas, maintaining personal awareness is the most effective way to stay safe across the local authority.

When visiting the town centre or using major retail parks, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of sight to deter opportunistic theft.

If you are out in the evening, stick to well-lit, busy routes and try to travel with friends. Be mindful of the levels of anti-social behaviour in certain areas and avoid confrontational situations.

Ensure your home and business premises are securely locked and well-lit. With a property crime rate of 20.7, maintaining good security habits is a wise precaution for all residents in the district.

Report any suspicious activity or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police. In a large district like Rugby, community reporting is essential for helping authorities allocate resources effectively to the areas where they are most needed.