Ludlow Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ludlow’s overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 10.3% below the UK average of 6.8. This performance underscores the area’s relatively stable security environment, particularly when compared to the national trend. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.5%) and criminal damage and arson (13.9%). The seasonal context of January—characterised by post-holiday reduced retail activity, shorter daylight hours, and colder temperatures—likely contributed to a lower incidence of outdoor crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary. However, the area’s crime profile also reveals specific vulnerabilities: anti-social behaviour and criminal damage rates are significantly above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted community engagement. The drop in shoplifting cases aligns with the expected seasonal dip in retail footfall, although the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour may indicate challenges in managing public spaces during the winter months. Ludlow’s performance highlights the combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing priorities, with the town’s historic character and mixed-use urban fabric likely influencing the distribution of crime types.

January 2026 saw a notable 62.5% decrease in shoplifting, with cases dropping from 16 to 6. This decline may reflect reduced retail footfall during the post-holiday period, as well as stricter enforcement measures in the town’s high streets. Conversely, anti-social behaviour surged by 55.6%, increasing from 9 to 14 incidents. This rise may be linked to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings and potential friction in shared spaces. Robbery also saw a 100% increase, with one incident reported in January compared to none in December. While this is a single case, it highlights the need for continued vigilance in public areas. Ludlow’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.3 per 1,000) is 8% below the UK average, suggesting that local efforts to address domestic disputes or community support programmes may be having an effect. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 80%, from 5 to 1, a drop consistent with the seasonal reduction in outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for theft.

Ludlow’s crime rate in January 2026 fell by 20.8% compared to December 2025, dropping from 7.6 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the post-holiday lull in retail activity, which may partly explain the 62.5% reduction in shoplifting cases. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two reported crimes per day, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall rate compared to national averages. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 165 residents, a ratio that underscores the area’s generally low exposure to crime. When scaled to Ludlow’s population of 10,736, this suggests that the majority of residents are unlikely to encounter crime during any given month. The drop in vehicle crime by 80% and burglary by 66.7% further highlights a shift toward fewer property-related incidents, potentially linked to reduced foot traffic and fewer opportunities for opportunistic theft in the colder, shorter days of January.