Burghfield Common Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Burghfield Common's crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents in January 2026 marked a 30.9% deficit compared to the UK average of 6.8, a position that reflects the area's character as a compact, low-density built-up zone within West Berkshire. The distribution of crimes revealed a distinct pattern, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 35.5% of the total (11 cases), followed by shoplifting (16.1%) and public order offences (12.9%). This mix contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences constitute 32% of the total. The area's relatively low rate of property crimes—10 cases compared to 11 violent crimes—suggests a balance influenced by its rural-adjacent setting, where outdoor activity is limited by shorter days and colder weather. Seasonal context plays a clear role, as January's post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall likely contributed to the modest overall rate. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting may indicate vulnerabilities in local retail security, particularly as the month transitions from festive shopping to early-year planning. The UK comparison underscores Burghfield Common's position as a safer area than the national average, though the localised spikes in specific crime types highlight the need for targeted strategies to address emerging trends without overgeneralising the broader safety profile.

January 2026 saw a dramatic rise in shoplifting, with incidents increasing by 400% from one to five cases. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 (Burghfield's rate at 0.8), suggests a potential vulnerability in retail security during the post-holiday period. Public order offences also spiked by 300%, rising from one to four incidents, a trend consistent with the reduced retail footfall and shorter days typical of January. Conversely, criminal damage and arson plummeted by 90%, from 10 to one case, possibly reflecting seasonal factors or improved community engagement efforts. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 57.1%, from seven to three incidents, a decline that may be linked to the area's relatively small population and strong local networks. The rise in drug-related offences—doubling from zero to one case—presents an unusual anomaly, though the overall rate remains below the UK average. These shifts underscore the need for targeted interventions in retail areas and continued monitoring of public order trends.

Burghfield Common's crime rate in January 2026 rose slightly to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a 3.3% increase from the previous month's 4.5. This places the area within a relatively stable range compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that aligns with the low overall rate. When scaled to the population of 6,629, this means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 214 residents during the month. Such a monthly exposure rate suggests that the likelihood of encountering crime is significantly lower than the national average, though the slight upward trend from December may warrant monitoring. The population context further highlights that the area's compact size and lower density likely contribute to the reduced crime rate compared to larger urban centres. While the increase is modest, it underscores the need for continued vigilance in maintaining local safety measures.