Sittingbourne Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Sittingbourne’s crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents marked a 23.5% increase over the UK average, reflecting a persistent challenge for local authorities. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 30.7% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 (4% above the UK average). Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 21.7% of total crimes at a rate of 1.8 per 1,000, 94% above the national average. These figures may be partially explained by the area’s seasonal dynamics: January’s post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall could have created conditions conducive to anti-social activity. Shoplifting, at 1.2 per 1,000 (111% above the UK average), remained a significant concern for local businesses, despite lower consumer traffic. The data suggests that while violent crime remains a focal point, the broader crime picture includes a mix of property-related and public order issues. This pattern aligns with Sittingbourne’s character as a built-up area within Swale, where retail centres and community hubs may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and theft. The seasonal context of January—marked by colder weather and reduced outdoor activity—may also explain the relatively lower rates of outdoor crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime, though these remain elevated compared to the UK average. For residents, the crime rate translates to a daily risk of encountering a crime roughly once every 16 days, a figure that underscores the need for community engagement and targeted policing strategies.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 400% increase in robbery cases, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 200% rise in possession of weapons (from 2 to 6 cases), signals a troubling shift in the nature of crime. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common offence, with 105 reports (21.7% of total crimes), 94% above the UK average. These figures suggest a potential link to post-holiday tensions or increased social gatherings during the winter period. Conversely, criminal damage and arson decreased by 21.3% (from 47 to 37 cases), possibly reflecting reduced outdoor activity during shorter daylight hours. The area’s shoplifting rate (1.2 per 1,000) was 111% above the UK average, indicating that retail centres remain vulnerable despite lower footfall. For residents, the sharp rise in robbery highlights the need for heightened vigilance in public spaces, particularly during late hours.

Sittingbourne’s crime rate in January 2026 rose to 8.4 per 1,000 residents, an 11.1% increase from December’s 7.5 per 1,000. This places the area 23.5% above the UK average, a gap that has widened slightly from previous months. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 16 crimes per day, highlighting the persistent nature of local incidents. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-119 residents underscores that while the absolute number of crimes may seem high, it translates to a manageable risk for most individuals. This figure is particularly relevant for residents and businesses, as it provides a concrete measure of how frequently crime intersects with daily life. The comparison also reveals that while violent crime rates remain elevated, property-related offences such as burglary have seen modest declines, suggesting a combination of local factors and broader trends.