Haverhill Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Haverhill's crime profile in January 2026 reveals a mixed picture of stability and volatility. The area's overall crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents places it 8.8% below the UK average of 6.8, a consistent trend that may reflect the town's character as a smaller, built-up area within West Suffolk. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 54.9% of all reported incidents—a rate of 3.4 per 1,000 that is 36% higher than the national average. This category's prominence is likely tied to Haverhill's role as a commuter hub with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where late-night activity and public transport networks may contribute to higher levels of violent crime. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, reduced retail footfall, and shorter days—may also play a role in shaping crime patterns, though the absence of major nightlife or entertainment venues limits direct comparisons to larger urban areas. Anti-social behaviour, which rose sharply by 200% from December, now exceeds the UK average by 46%, suggesting a possible shift in local dynamics during this period. This increase could be linked to informal gatherings in public spaces, which may be more common in the early weeks of the year as social calendars reset. Conversely, shoplifting remains significantly below the UK average, with a 65% reduction, indicating that Haverhill's retail environment may be less vulnerable to such crimes compared to national trends. The drop in vehicle crime by 57.1% aligns with typical January patterns, as colder weather and reduced outdoor activity may lower the likelihood of such incidents. These findings underscore the importance of contextualizing local crime data within both seasonal and geographic factors, ensuring that community responses are tailored to the specific challenges faced by Haverhill.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was in robbery, which tripled from 1 to 3 incidents—a 200% increase. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, doubling from 4 to 12 cases, a trend that may partly explain the overall crime rate's jump. Violent crime remains the dominant category, accounting for 54.9% of all reports, with a rate of 3.4 per 1,000—36% above the UK average. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 65% compared to the UK average, reflecting Haverhill's relatively low retail crime. Vehicle crime dropped by 57.1%, from 7 to 3 incidents, a decrease consistent with seasonal patterns of reduced foot traffic in January. Residents may find the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour particularly concerning, as it now exceeds the UK average for this category by 46%. The surge in anti-social behaviour coincides with the post-holiday period, a time when public spaces may see increased informal gatherings, contributing to such incidents. Meanwhile, the drop in vehicle crime aligns with typical January trends, as colder weather and shorter daylight hours reduce outdoor activity and associated risks.

Haverhill's crime rate rose by 36.7% from 4.5 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, marking the largest monthly increase in the past year. This translates to roughly 5 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while locally significant, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 163 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests the area is relatively safer compared to national trends. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Haverhill's crime burden is distributed across its 26,675 residents, with no single demographic group affected. While the increase is notable, the area's overall rate remains 8.8% below the UK average, highlighting the need for context when interpreting local figures. The shift in crime patterns—particularly the sharp rise in violent crime and anti-social behaviour—suggests a combination of seasonal and local factors that require further analysis. Haverhill's built-up character within West Suffolk, with its mix of residential and commercial spaces, may influence crime dynamics, though the absence of major transport hubs or nightlife areas limits direct comparisons to larger urban centres.