Stratford-upon-Avon Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Stratford-upon-Avon’s crime rate in January 2024 stood at 9.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25.7% above the UK average of 7.4. This disparity reflects the town’s unique blend of tourism, historical significance, and compact urban layout. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.6% of all crimes, with a rate of 2.7 per 1,000—4% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (1.5 per 1,000) and shoplifting (1.4 per 1,000) also significantly outpaced national figures, at 52% and 146% above respectively. These trends align with Stratford’s identity as a heritage-focused town with a year-round tourist presence, where retail areas and public spaces may be more vulnerable to opportunistic crime. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely contributed to the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, as fewer visitors and staff may have altered the usual dynamics of crowd control. Meanwhile, the town’s lower vehicle crime rate (0.3 per 1,000, 40% below the UK average) suggests that its smaller population and limited commuter traffic reduce opportunities for such offences. This data illustrates a community grappling with the dual pressures of preserving its historical charm while managing the challenges of a tourist-driven economy.

January 2024 saw sharp increases in burglary (+100%), drugs offences (+100%), and other theft (+92.9%), with burglary doubling from 7 to 14 incidents. These spikes contrast with decreases in theft from the person (-60%) and possession of weapons (-40%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The town’s shoplifting rate of 1.4 per 1,000—146% above the UK average—highlights the impact of Stratford’s tourist economy, where retail outlets may be targeted during post-holiday periods. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell 40% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s lower car ownership rates and reduced commuter traffic. For residents, the 27% rise in anti-social behaviour (from 1.0 to 1.5 per 1,000) underscores the need for community vigilance in public spaces, particularly during the quieter winter months when fewer visitors dilute crowd density.

Stratford-upon-Avon’s crime rate in January 2024 rose slightly to 9.3 per 1,000 residents, a 2.6% increase from the previous month’s 9.1. This small upward trend contrasts with the area’s broader position relative to the UK average, where the town remains 25.7% above the national rate. Daily crime figures reveal that 9 crimes were reported each day in January, a consistent rhythm that aligns with the town’s year-round tourism and retail activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 107 residents—a figure that, while higher than the UK average, reflects the concentrated nature of Stratford’s built-up area and its reliance on visitor spending. The population context further highlights the disparity: with 29,218 residents, the town’s crime density is amplified by its compact footprint, where historical sites and high-footfall areas intersect with residential zones. This density likely contributes to the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting compared to more sprawling urban or rural areas.