Henley-on-Thames Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Henley-on-Thames recorded 51 crimes across its population of 12,246 residents, translating to a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 people—38.2% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a relatively low level of criminal activity for a town of this size, though the distribution of crime types reveals patterns worth examining. Violence and sexual offences (24 cases) accounted for nearly half (47.1%) of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (8 cases) and criminal damage and arson (5 cases). The seasonal context of January—post-holiday period, reduced retail footfall, and shorter days—likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate compared to months with higher outdoor activity. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences may reflect local dynamics, such as community interactions or targeted incidents, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this. The town's character as a market town with a mix of residential and commercial areas could influence these patterns, with retail spaces driving shoplifting and public spaces contributing to violent incidents. Several categories, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, were significantly below UK averages, suggesting a relatively orderly environment in these areas. This data provides a snapshot of crime trends in Henley-on-Thames, highlighting both the town's safety compared to national figures and the specific types of crime that require attention.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to December. Other theft rose by 300% (from 1 to 4 cases), while shoplifting doubled (from 4 to 8 cases), indicating potential increases in targeted theft or specific incidents. Conversely, burglary fell by two-thirds (from 6 to 2 cases), possibly reflecting improved security measures or seasonal inactivity. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 14.3% (from 28 to 24 cases), a shift that may align with the post-holiday lull in certain types of crime. These changes highlight a mixed picture: while some categories saw significant reductions, others rose sharply, suggesting a need to monitor trends closely. For instance, the sharp increase in other theft could signal vulnerabilities in specific areas, such as residential properties or businesses with unsecured premises. Meanwhile, the decline in burglary may be consistent with Henley-on-Thames' generally lower property crime rates compared to the UK average, which stood at 0.5 per 1,000 for this category. The contrast between rising theft and falling burglary underscores the complexity of local crime dynamics, requiring targeted interventions in high-risk areas.

Henley-on-Thames' crime rate in January 2026 (4.2 per 1,000) was 5.7% lower than the previous month's rate of 4.4 per 1,000, indicating a slight decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the town recorded roughly 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, remains relevant for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 240 residents—a monthly exposure rate that places Henley-on-Thames well below the UK average in terms of frequency. This statistic provides context for how crime affects individual residents, though such figures are aggregates and do not reflect daily fluctuations. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the town's relative safety: with 12,246 residents, 51 crimes represent a small proportion of the population, suggesting that most residents are unlikely to experience crime directly. However, the sharp increases in specific categories like other theft and shoplifting serve as reminders that even low overall rates can include areas of concern. Comparing these figures to the UK context reinforces Henley-on-Thames' status as a safer area, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, where rates were 78% and 52% below national averages, respectively.