Leek Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Leek's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This positioning as a relatively safer area than the national average is notable for a built-up area within the Staffordshire Moorlands, where rural characteristics often intersect with urban dynamics. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.0% of all reported incidents, a figure that exceeded the UK average by 16%. This suggests a local concentration of such crimes that may be influenced by the area's social fabric and community interactions. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, was 25% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's smaller population and tighter-knit community structure. Seasonal factors also played a role, with January's post-holiday context and reduced retail footfall likely contributing to lower outdoor crime rates. However, the higher-than-average incidence of violence highlights the need for targeted interventions in this category. Other theft, while 30% above the UK average, may be linked to local retail activity patterns, whereas shoplifting—despite a 50.0% monthly increase—remained below the UK average. These patterns illustrate the combination of geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms in shaping Leek's crime profile.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Leek. Possession of weapons increased by 50.0% compared to December, with reports rising from 2 to 3. This small but significant rise may be linked to local policing priorities or seasonal factors affecting weapon-related incidents. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell sharply by 58.8%, from 17 to 7 cases, potentially reflecting the post-holiday lull in festive-related vandalism. Shoplifting also saw a 50.0% increase, rising from 6 to 9 incidents, which could indicate targeted retail activity during the post-Christmas period. Violence and sexual offences—accounting for 47.0% of all crimes—were 16% above the UK average, suggesting a local concentration of such incidents that may be influenced by the area's built-up character and community dynamics. These shifts highlight the need for tailored approaches to addressing specific crime trends while maintaining overall safety.

Leek's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 6.2 per 1,000 residents, a 19.0% decrease from the previous month's 7.7 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the seasonal pattern observed in built-up areas during January, when shorter daylight hours and reduced retail activity typically lower outdoor crime. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported per day in Leek, a figure that reflects the area's relatively low crime profile compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents, a ratio that underscores the area's safety relative to national averages. With a population of 18,433, this monthly exposure rate highlights the manageable scale of crime in Leek, particularly when compared to UK-wide statistics that often include more densely populated regions. The reduction in criminal damage and arson by 58.8% suggests that seasonal factors—such as the absence of holiday events—may have contributed to this decline, though local policing efforts could also play a role.