Telford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Telford's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 16.7% above the UK average of 6.6. This figure reflects a mixed picture of crime trends shaped by seasonal factors and local demographics. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 548 incidents (43.7% of total crimes), significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.4 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely with 211 cases, 43% above the national average, a pattern often seen in urban areas with dense residential and commercial zones. Shoplifting. from the previous month, remained a persistent issue at 93 cases. These trends align with January's post-holiday context, where reduced retail footfall and shorter days may suppress some crime types while intensifying others. The area's higher-than-average violent crime rate is consistent with Telford's role as a regional hub with a mix of industrial, retail, and residential land uses. Seasonal factors—such as the closure of seasonal businesses and the end of holiday shopping—likely contribute to the observed shifts, though local socioeconomic factors also play a role. The data highlights the need for tailored approaches to public safety that account for both transient and enduring influences on crime patterns.

January 2026 saw a stark 400% increase in theft from the person, rising from one to five incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened vigilance or specific incidents in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 34.5%, from 142 to 93 cases—a drop consistent with the post-holiday lull in retail activity and shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for such crimes. The area's violent crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents, 39% above the UK average, underscores persistent challenges in managing public safety. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, with 211 incidents—43% above the UK average—suggesting pressures in communal spaces. Vehicle crime, down 25% to 24 cases, aligns with seasonal trends as colder weather reduces outdoor activity. These shifts highlight the combination of local dynamics and broader national patterns, with Telford's built-up area experiencing both declines and surges in specific crime types.

Telford's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable compared to December, with a -1.7% decrease from 7.8 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. While this suggests little change in overall safety, the daily crime count of 40 incidents provides a tangible snapshot of local activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 130 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the built-up area's population of 163,463. This monthly exposure rate is consistent with patterns seen in similar urban centres, where concentrated populations and mixed-use areas tend to see higher reporting rates. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with shifts in specific crime categories, such as the 400% increase in theft from the person, which highlights the need for targeted awareness in high-risk areas. The daily figure, while not directly comparable to UK-wide averages, offers residents a concrete measure of local crime frequency that can inform personal safety strategies.