Broad Blunsdon Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Broad Blunsdon’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 44.1% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast to national trends underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile, a pattern consistent with its status as a built-up area within Swindon. The top crime categories were shoplifting (46.9% of total), violence and sexual offences (21.9%), and public order offences (12.5%). Shoplifting, in particular, far outpaced the UK average by 216%, suggesting a unique dynamic in local retail environments. This could be attributed to the area’s proximity to larger urban centres, where demand for goods may drive opportunistic theft, or to specific retail practices such as high-value inventory displays. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences were 68% below the UK average, a trend that may reflect the area’s demographic composition—lower concentrations of nightlife venues or community-focused policing efforts. The seasonal context of January, with its reduced retail footfall and shorter days, likely contributed to a lower incidence of outdoor crimes, though shoplifting’s rise complicates this narrative. The area’s crime profile thus illustrates a combination of local factors, including retail dynamics and community characteristics, that distinguish it from broader national patterns.

January saw a 66.7% increase in shoplifting, rising from 9 to 15 incidents—a figure 216% above the UK average. This surge, despite reduced retail footfall, suggests targeted activity in local stores, possibly linked to post-holiday price drops or seasonal inventory movements. Public order offences also doubled, reaching four incidents, a 19% increase above the UK average. This could reflect the impact of shorter days and colder weather on community interactions. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 12.5%, aligning with the UK average’s 68% deficit. The decrease may be partly attributed to the post-holiday lull in alcohol-related incidents. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 33.3%, with only two reported cases, a 78% gap below the UK average. These shifts illustrate a nuanced crime picture, where retail-focused crimes rose while other categories showed reductions, influenced by seasonal and environmental factors.

Broad Blunsdon's crime rate in January 2026 rose 23.2% compared to the previous month, climbing from 3.1 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical for January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter days. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the month, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime rate compared to national averages. When scaled to the population of 8,381, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 262 residents. This statistic underscores the area’s comparative safety, particularly when contrasted with the UK’s average of 6.8 per 1,000. The population context further highlights that Broad Blunsdon’s crime profile remains distinct from larger urban centres, where higher population density and economic activity often correlate with elevated crime rates. While the increase from December to January is notable, it remains within a range consistent with the area’s historical seasonal fluctuations.