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

Stratford-upon-Avon's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 9.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 33.8% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This marked a significant deviation from the national trend, with violent crimes and anti-social behaviour dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.6% and shoplifting at 15.8%. The town's crime profile contrasts sharply with the UK average, where violent crimes typically make up 24% of the total. Stratford's elevated rates may partly reflect its unique character as a historic market town with a mix of tourism-driven activity and local community dynamics. The post-holiday period in January, coupled with shorter daylight hours, likely contributed to the reduced retail footfall and increased indoor gatherings that may have influenced crime patterns. While property crimes remain a concern, the disproportionate rise in violent incidents suggests a shift in criminal activity that deserves closer attention from local authorities. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas such as the town centre, where retail and hospitality sectors intersect with residential zones. The seasonal context of January—marked by colder weather and post-Christmas lulls—may also have impacted both victim behavior and perpetrator activity, though these factors require further analysis to establish direct correlations.

January 2026 saw stark month-on-month changes in Stratford-upon-Avon's crime profile. Possession of weapons surged by 300%, rising from 1 to 4 incidents, a figure that far exceeds the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. Burglary rates also climbed sharply, increasing by 175% from 4 to 11 cases, a jump that places the town 43% above the UK average for this category. Bicycle theft, which had not occurred in December, rose to 3 incidents—a 100% increase that highlights vulnerabilities in the town's infrastructure for cyclists. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 33.3% to 4 incidents, aligning with the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. This shift in crime mix—from property-related offences to violent and anti-social incidents—suggests a possible reallocation of criminal activity during the winter months. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 19.6% of all crimes, was 94% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect the town's compact built-up area and its reliance on tourism during peak seasons. Residents may find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it indicates potential gaps in local security measures for non-motorized transport. These changes underscore the need for tailored policing strategies that address both the immediate spikes in specific crime types and the broader patterns emerging from the data.

The crime rate in Stratford-upon-Avon rose by 19.3% from December 2025's 7.6 per 1,000 to January 2026's 9.1 per 1,000. This increase places the town's monthly exposure at one reported crime for every 110 residents, a figure that highlights the density of incidents in a relatively small built-up area. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 9 crimes per day in January, a rate that, while not directly comparable to the UK average, illustrates the localised nature of Stratford's crime challenges. The population context—29,218 residents—means that the 266 total crimes represent a significant proportion of the community, with nearly 1 in 110 residents affected monthly. This scale of impact is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be lower. The shift from December to January also reveals a stark contrast in crime dynamics: while December's crime rate may have benefited from seasonal factors like holiday-related activity, January's figures suggest a different rhythm, possibly linked to post-holiday economic pressures and reduced tourism. The town's built-up area, with its mix of historic sites and modern amenities, creates a unique environment where crime patterns may differ from both rural and larger urban areas. These comparisons reinforce the importance of localised data in understanding Stratford's specific challenges, rather than relying solely on national averages.