York Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

York's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 10.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This position reflects a combination of factors, including the city's historic urban character and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 36.4% of all incidents, though this category remained 12% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 61% above the national average, a figure that may partly explain the city's distinct crime picture. Shoplifting incidents, at 11.5% of total crimes, were 23% above the UK rate — a trend consistent with York's high concentration of retail spaces in its medieval core. The post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours likely contributed to the lower volume of outdoor crimes typical in January, though this cannot fully account for the city's specific patterns. York's data illustrates how local geography and demographics shape crime trends, even as national averages provide a broader benchmark.

January saw a notable shift in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 5.9% (288 → 305) despite the post-holiday lull. This rise may reflect colder weather driving indoor gatherings, though no direct causal link can be established. Burglary also rose 21.6% (37 → 45), a trend that contrasts with the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted 88.9% (9 → 1), a drop that aligns with reduced retail footfall during January. Bicycle theft fell 52.9% (34 → 16), possibly due to colder temperatures limiting outdoor activity. Possession of weapons surged 66.7% (9 → 15), a spike that remains unexplained by available data. These fluctuations highlight the volatility of crime statistics in a city with a strong heritage sector and seasonal tourism patterns.

York's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a 6.6% decrease from December's 6.6 per 1,000. This marks the lowest monthly rate in the area since at least 2020, though seasonal factors may influence such trends. On a daily basis, 41 crimes were reported in January, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a city with over 200,000 residents. When considering monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 163 residents — a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. The population context reveals that York's crime profile remains distinct: while violent crime rates are 12% below the UK average, anti-social behaviour incidents are 61% higher, a disparity that may reflect the city's historic urban fabric and high foot traffic in certain areas. These figures highlight the interplay between local demographics and broader national trends.