Great Dunmow Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Great Dunmow's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.4% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This built-up area within Uttlesford, characterised by a mix of residential and commercial zones, saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for nearly half (49.2%) of all reported incidents. These offences were 28% higher than the UK average for the same category, a figure that may partly explain the overall rate's proximity to the national benchmark despite the area's generally lower crime profile. Criminal damage and arson also featured prominently, with rates 67% above the UK average, reflecting patterns often associated with areas experiencing seasonal property neglect or targeted vandalism. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the lower prevalence of outdoor crimes typically linked to busier months. However, the persistence of violent crime suggests underlying factors such as community dynamics or local policing strategies that warrant further consideration. The relatively low levels of property crime, particularly shoplifting (47% below the UK average), may indicate effective local deterrents or a demographic profile less prone to such offences. These patterns align with the area's character as a commuter-focused town with established retail corridors, where property crime is often mitigated by proactive community engagement and targeted enforcement.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson surging by 133.3% compared to December 2025, rising from 3 to 7 incidents. This spike may reflect increased winter-related vandalism or targeted acts linked to seasonal property vulnerabilities. Conversely, other theft fell sharply by 83.3% (from 6 to 1), indicating potential improvements in local security measures or reduced opportunities for opportunistic crime. The drugs category also experienced a 100% increase, with 6 incidents reported in January—a stark contrast to the previous month's zero reports. This shift could signal evolving local drug-related activities or improved reporting mechanisms. While violent crime remained the most prevalent category, the area's rate for violence and sexual offences (3.2 per 1,000) was higher than the UK average (2.5 per 1,000), a disparity that may relate to the town's social composition or local policing priorities. Anti-social behaviour, though still present, saw a 40% decrease from December, aligning with the UK average and suggesting potential success in community-focused interventions. These variations highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns and the importance of targeted strategies to address emerging trends.

Great Dunmow's crime rate in January 2026 (6.5 per 1,000) marked a 12.1% decline from December 2025's rate of 7.4 per 1,000, indicating a sustained reduction in overall criminal activity. This decrease, when contextualised against the UK average, positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions in the country, with its rate remaining consistently below the national benchmark. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in January—a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, the probability of a resident encountering a reported crime was 1 in 154, a statistic that, when compared to the UK's broader population context, highlights the area's relatively low risk profile. With a population of 9,084, the monthly exposure figure illustrates that the majority of residents are unlikely to experience crime directly, though the persistence of violent offences suggests targeted support for vulnerable groups may be necessary. These comparative metrics reinforce the area's status as a low-crime built-up area within Uttlesford, where community-focused policing and local initiatives may be contributing to the sustained reduction in reported incidents.