Stoke-on-Trent Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Stoke-on-Trent’s total crime count of 2,924 in January 2026 equates to 10.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 63.6% higher than the UK average of 6.6. For a city with a population of 270,425, this volume translates to a significant local impact, with 2,924 crimes representing a substantial burden on residents and services. The breakdown reveals that violence and sexual offences (1,124 cases) dominate the crime picture, accounting for 38.4% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (472 cases, 16.1%) and public order offences (224 cases, 7.7%). These figures suggest a persistent challenge with violent and disruptive crime, which may be linked to the area’s history as a post-industrial town with densely populated urban centres. Seasonal factors in January—such as reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contribute to lower outdoor crime rates but may not address the underlying issues driving indoor and targeted offences. The area’s violent crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 is 72% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour and public order offences also exceed national benchmarks by 98% and 95%, respectively. These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly those with a legacy of economic decline and social fragmentation. The relatively low rate of theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000, 100% below the UK average) may indicate effective policing in high-traffic zones or a reduced prevalence of opportunistic theft during the post-holiday period.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in Stoke-on-Trent’s crime profile, with vehicle crime rising by 27.7% (101 to 129) and bicycle theft increasing by 20% (15 to 18), likely influenced by post-holiday vehicle usage and colder weather conditions. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 18.1% (265 to 217), possibly linked to reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. The area’s violent crime rate—4.2 per 1,000—remains 72% above the UK average, with anti-social behaviour (1.8 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) also significantly exceeding national benchmarks. Theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) was 100% below the UK average, a figure that could reassure residents in high-traffic areas. These trends reflect the area’s unique challenges, with dense urban zones and industrial sites contributing to higher rates of certain offences.

Stoke-on-Trent’s crime rate in January 2026 fell by 4.3% compared to December 2025, dropping from 11.3 to 10.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may curb outdoor crimes. Locally, 94 crimes were reported daily on average, translating to one crime for every 92 residents over the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area, though the slight reduction suggests potential stabilisation. With a population of 270,425, the 2,924 total crimes reported reflect a combination of local factors, including the area’s industrial heritage and dense urban centres, which may contribute to higher crime rates compared to other regions. The 63.6% gap between Stoke-on-Trent’s rate and the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000 highlights the area’s distinct challenges, particularly in violent and anti-social crime categories.