Stratford-on-Avon Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Stratford-on-Avon recorded a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 26.5% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a historically low level of criminal activity for the area, consistent with its character as a predominantly rural district with a significant heritage and tourism sector. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.8%) and shoplifting (9.4%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the lower rates of property crimes compared to busier months. While violent crime remains the most prevalent category, its rate of 1.8 per 1,000 is 28% below the UK average, suggesting that local factors such as community policing efforts or the town’s demographic profile may play a role. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, remains a persistent challenge, potentially linked to the area’s mix of residential and tourist populations. The overall crime profile illustrates a balance between the pressures of a small town with cultural significance and the relative safety afforded by its geographical and social characteristics.

January 2026 saw stark contrasts in crime trends, with bicycle theft surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by 275% (from 4 to 15). These increases, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal shifts, such as colder weather driving more cycling or unseasonal spikes in illicit activity. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 27.3% (from 33 to 24), potentially linked to reduced traffic during the post-holiday period. The category of violent crime, while still the most common, remained 28% below the UK average, a trend that may be partly explained by Stratford-on-Avon’s relatively stable community environment. Shoplifting and other thefts were 12-13% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s lower retail density compared to major urban centres. For residents, the sharp rise in bicycle thefts highlights a specific vulnerability during winter months, suggesting the need for targeted measures such as secure parking solutions or increased patrols in high-risk areas.

The crime rate in January 2026 (5.0 per 1,000) marked a 12.7% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.4 per 1,000, reflecting a subtle upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Stratford-on-Avon experienced approximately 23 crimes per day in January, a figure that may appear high in absolute terms but translates to a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 201 residents. This monthly aggregate provides context for local residents, indicating that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime remains relatively low. With a population of 146,258, the area’s crime statistics also highlight the influence of population density—while Stratford-on-Avon is not a densely populated urban centre, its mix of historic sites and modern residential areas creates a unique crime profile. The comparison with the previous month underscores the importance of monitoring seasonal fluctuations, as January’s post-holiday dynamics often differ from the more active periods of spring and summer.