Crime in Leighton: statistics, rates and trends

541 crimes were recorded in Leighton in the 12 months to July 2026, 77.6 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 14% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 282 reports (52% of the total).

Of the 3,911 neighbourhoods covered by this site, Leighton has the 1,939th highest crime rate.

Recorded crime in Leighton was highest in the year to July 2026 (541 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2018 (208). Over the whole period it rose 160%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.

Month by month

The table shows every category of crime recorded in Leighton over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for public order.

The largest increases were in other theft (+50%) and criminal damage and arson (+33%). The largest falls were in shoplifting (-45%) and anti-social behaviour (-23%).

Violence and sexual offences in Leighton

Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Leighton recorded 282 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (40.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 20% on the year before. It made up 52.1% of all crime in the area.

Public order in Leighton

Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Leighton recorded 69 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (9.9 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 8% on the year before. It made up 12.8% of all crime in the area.

Other theft in Leighton

Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Leighton recorded 48 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.9 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and up 50% on the year before. It made up 8.9% of all crime in the area.

Criminal damage and arson in Leighton

Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Leighton recorded 40 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and up 33% on the year before. It made up 7.4% of all crime in the area.

Anti-social behaviour in Leighton

Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Leighton recorded 34 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.9 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and down 23% on the year before. It made up 6.3% of all crime in the area.

Other crime in Leighton

Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Leighton recorded 18 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.6 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and up 50% on the year before. It made up 3.3% of all crime in the area.

Shoplifting in Leighton

Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Leighton recorded 17 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 45% on the year before. It made up 3.1% of all crime in the area.

Drugs in Leighton

Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Leighton recorded 10 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and up 43% on the year before. It made up 1.8% of all crime in the area.

Vehicle crime in Leighton

Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Leighton recorded 10 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and up 25% on the year before. It made up 1.8% of all crime in the area.

Burglary in Leighton

Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Leighton recorded 6 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.9 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 25% on the year before. It made up 1.1% of all crime in the area.

Possession of weapons in Leighton

Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Leighton recorded 6 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.9 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 200% on the year before. It made up 1.1% of all crime in the area.

Robbery in Leighton

Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Leighton recorded 1 report in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and down 50% on the year before. It made up 0.2% of all crime in the area.

Crime rates in the neighbourhoods closest to Leighton, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Leighton.

Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Leighton over the 12 months to July 2026.

The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Leighton over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.

Leighton has an estimated population of 6,971. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Leighton sits in decile 9.0, less deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.

Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Leighton. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.

Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.