Dursley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dursley's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.4 per 1,000, placing it 5.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal influences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.7% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.8%) and shoplifting (10.4%). The area's crime profile is shaped by its status as a built-up area within Stroud, with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The post-holiday period in January typically sees reduced retail footfall, which may contribute to the lower incidence of property crimes compared to other months. However, the rise in violent crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences, suggests a need for continued focus on community safety initiatives. Anti-social behaviour, which is 40% above the UK average, may be influenced by colder weather patterns and shorter daylight hours, which can impact social dynamics. While the overall rate remains below the national average, the seasonal context of January—characterised by reduced outdoor activity and fewer holiday-related events—likely plays a role in shaping the crime profile for the month.

January 2026 saw a dramatic surge in shoplifting, with incidents rising 400% from one to five, marking the most significant month-on-month increase in the area's crime history. This spike, coupled with a 200% rise in 'other crime' and a 100% increase in robbery, suggests a shift in criminal activity that may be linked to post-holiday retail patterns or seasonal factors. Anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent crime types, accounting for 62.5% of all reported incidents. While property crimes such as criminal damage and arson decreased by 60%, violent crimes like violence and sexual offences were 8% above the UK average. The contrast between the sharp rise in shoplifting and the decline in property crimes may indicate a shift in focus among offenders, influenced by the reduced footfall in retail areas typical of January. Residents may find the 400% increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, given its potential impact on local businesses and community safety.

Dursley's crime rate rose by 19.9% in January 2026 compared to the previous month's 5.4 per 1,000, reaching 6.4 per 1,000. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in crime patterns that may be linked to seasonal transitions. Locally, the daily crime count averaged two incidents per day over the month, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in a small urban area. On a population-scaled basis, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 155 residents during January, a monthly exposure rate that remains significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic is particularly noteworthy given Dursley's relatively small population of 7,453 and its status as a built-up area within Stroud. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the month-on-month rise highlights the importance of monitoring fluctuations in crime trends, even in areas with historically lower rates. The combination of a stable population and a low crime base makes even small increases in absolute terms more impactful for residents.