Shipston-on-Stour Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Shoplifting dominates Shipston-on-Stour’s crime picture in January 2026, accounting for 31.4% of all reported crimes (11 incidents). This starkly contrasts with the UK average for shoplifting, which stands at 0.6 per 1,000 residents—Shipston’s rate of 1.9 per 1,000 is 233% higher. The area’s overall crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents places it 11.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a generally safer profile. Violent crimes (10 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (4 incidents) make up the next most common categories. Seasonal factors likely influence these patterns: January’s post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall may have contributed to lower overall crime but created conditions for targeted theft. The town’s low population density and rural-urban mix may also moderate crime rates, as smaller communities often see fewer incidents but higher concentrations of specific offences. While shoplifting remains a focal point, the absence of major violent crime and the relatively low burglary rate (1 incident) suggest that property crimes are more prevalent than personal safety concerns. This profile aligns with Shipston-on-Stour’s character as a small built-up area within Stratford-on-Avon, where retail and local services drive some crime types but limited population density constrains others.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (11 incidents, +100% from 0 to 11) and other theft (2 incidents, +100% from 0 to 2), driven by post-holiday retail activity. This contrasts with a 23.1% decrease in violence and sexual offences (10 incidents, down from 13). Shoplifting’s rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents is 233% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, highlighting a localised spike. Other crime (4 incidents) is 337% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, though this category remains small in absolute terms. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 33.3% (from 3 to 2), and violence and sexual offences decreased by 23.1%. These shifts suggest a crime profile skewed toward property crimes, particularly theft, with a notable reduction in violent incidents. Residents may find the shoplifting figures most concerning, given their disproportionate impact relative to the UK average.

Shipston-on-Stour’s January 2026 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents marks a 45.8% increase from the previous month’s 4.1 per 1,000. This rise, though significant, remains 11.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. Daily crime figures show one reported crime per day in January, a localised metric that does not translate directly to national averages. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 168 residents, illustrating the relatively low exposure compared to the area’s population of 5,884. This monthly aggregate provides context for residents: while the rate has risen, the absolute number of crimes remains modest. The population-scaled perspective shows that most residents are not directly affected, though the increase in shoplifting and other theft raises local concerns. The shift from December’s lower rate may reflect seasonal patterns, such as post-holiday retail activity. The data underscores the need for targeted local responses without overgeneralising national trends.