Highworth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Highworth's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 15.5% increase from the previous month but remaining 35.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This relatively low rate, despite the upward trend, suggests the area continues to experience a crime profile significantly lower than the national average. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 35.1% of total incidents, with a rate of 1.5 per 1,000 — 40% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 16.2% of reported crimes, while shoplifting, though smaller in volume, rose to 0.7 per 1,000, 23% above the UK average. The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days — likely contributed to the lower overall crime rate compared to busier months. However, the 100% increases in public order offences, criminal damage and arson, and drugs-related crimes suggest localized pressures that may require further attention. Highworth's built-up character within Swindon, likely influenced by its commuter demographics and retail infrastructure, may explain the balance between violent and property crimes. The area's lower crime rate compared to the UK average could reflect effective local policing, community engagement, or the absence of high-risk factors such as large-scale deprivation or youth unemployment.

January 2026 saw a 15.5% increase in Highworth's overall crime rate compared to December, driven by a 100% rise in public order offences, criminal damage and arson, and drugs-related crimes. These increases occurred despite the area’s crime rate remaining 35.3% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.1% of total crimes, with a rate of 1.5 per 1,000 — 40% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Conversely, shoplifting rose to 0.7 per 1,000, 23% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This divergence suggests local factors, such as retail presence or community dynamics, may be influencing specific crime types. Residents may find the 100% increase in drugs-related crimes particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a potential shift in criminal activity patterns.

Highworth's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 15.5% compared to December 2025, moving from 3.8 to 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains 35.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day in January, a figure that aligns with the area's smaller population and lower overall crime profile. When scaled to the population of 8,432, this translates to one reported crime occurring for every 228 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents: the likelihood of encountering a crime in Highworth is significantly lower than the UK average, even with the recent upward trend. The population-scaled perspective also highlights how the area's compact size and lower density may contribute to a more manageable crime environment, despite the absolute increase in reported incidents.