Southam (Stratford-on-Avon) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 8,208, the 34 crimes reported in January 2026 equate to 4.1 crimes per 1,000 residents—39.7% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This places Southam among the safer built-up areas in England, though the profile of crime here differs from national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 47.1% of all reports (16 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.7%) and burglary (8.8%). The seasonal context of January—post-holiday lull, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail activity—may partly explain the lower overall rate compared to busier months, though the concentration of violent crime contrasts with typical patterns seen in urban centres. The area’s character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones likely contributes to the balance of crime types, with retail footfall influencing theft-related offences and social dynamics shaping anti-social behaviour. Violent crime in Southam remains 20% below the UK average for this category, suggesting local factors such as community cohesion or policing strategies could be at play. The relatively low property crime rate (26.5% of total crimes) further diverges from the national trend, where property offences often dominate. This data invites closer examination of how Southam’s unique demographic and geographic features interact with crime patterns, particularly in a month typically marked by subdued outdoor activity and reduced tourism.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with other theft increasing by 100% (from 0 to 2 incidents) and violence and sexual offences rising by 23.1% (from 13 to 16). Anti-social behaviour also climbed by 20%, reflecting a possible uptick in social interactions during the post-holiday period. Conversely, vehicle crime, possession of weapons, and criminal damage and arson all fell by 50%, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and fewer vehicles on the road during colder weather. The violent crime rate in Southam (2.0 per 1,000) remains 20% below the UK average for this category, highlighting a persistent divergence from national norms. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.7 per 1,000, is 25% below the UK average, suggesting local initiatives or community engagement may be effective in mitigating such incidents. Burglary, however, is 43% above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.3 per 1,000), an anomaly that may warrant further investigation into residential security practices or targeted criminal activity in specific areas. The sharp rise in other theft—though still a small proportion of total crimes—could signal emerging patterns, such as opportunistic crimes during the post-holiday period or changes in local economic conditions. Residents might find the 50% decrease in vehicle crime particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a potential reduction in risks associated with parking in the town centre.

The crime rate in Southam rose by 6.2% from 3.9 per 1,000 in December 2025 to 4.1 per 1,000 in January 2026, reflecting a slight upward trend despite remaining significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, Southam experienced roughly 1 crime per day in January, a rate that, while low, may feel more pronounced in a small built-up area where incidents are more visible. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 241 residents—a figure that contextualises the scale of criminal activity in relation to the local population. This monthly exposure rate is particularly meaningful for residents, as it illustrates the frequency with which crime might intersect with daily life, albeit at a level that is far below national benchmarks. The population-scaled perspective further underscores Southam’s position as a relatively safe area, with its crime rate being 39.7% lower than the UK average. However, the 6.2% month-on-month increase suggests that local conditions—such as weather patterns, social events, or policing efforts—may have influenced crime dynamics in January. While the overall trend remains positive, the slight rise could prompt a review of factors contributing to the small but noticeable shift in crime rates.