Wick (Arun) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Wick (Arun) recorded a crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 in February 2026, placing it 12.5% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure highlights a notable divergence from national trends, particularly in the area of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 36.5% of all crimes — a rate of 2.6 per 1,000, 12% above the UK average. This category's prominence may be influenced by the built-up nature of the area, where social interactions in public spaces could contribute to such incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 16.7% of crimes at 1.2 per 1,000, 32% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in managing community conduct. Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000, was 90% above the UK average, likely linked to the area's retail infrastructure and foot traffic. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with low outdoor activity — may have amplified certain crime patterns, such as indoor disputes and targeted retail theft. However, the absence of a significant spike in property crime, with vehicle crime even falling 14% below the UK average, indicates that local factors may temper broader seasonal trends. This complex picture underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how local demographics and infrastructure intersect with crime dynamics.

February 2026 saw a stark increase in 'other crime,' jumping 400% from 1 to 5 incidents, a category that includes offences like fraud and begging. This surge, though unclassified in detail, may reflect seasonal shifts or unmet demand for services during the winter lull. Simultaneously, criminal damage and arson rose 250%, from 2 to 7 cases — a jump that could be tied to property-related disputes or increased vandalism during colder weather. Shoplifting remained exceptionally high at 1.1 per 1,000, 90% above the UK average, likely driven by the town's retail presence and foot traffic patterns. Conversely, other theft and burglary both declined, with other theft falling 71.4% to 2 cases, reflecting improved security measures or seasonal inactivity. The decrease in violence and sexual offences by 5.4% (from 37 to 35) offers a counterpoint to the overall upward trend, though this remains below the UK average for that category.

Wick (Arun)'s crime rate rose to 7.2 per 1,000 in February 2026, up 14.2% from the previous month's 6.3. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in the balance of crime types. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that underscores the persistent nature of local crime. When scaled to the population of 13,288, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 138 residents — a statistic that highlights the proportion of the community directly affected. While the overall rate remains below the UK average for some categories, such as vehicle crime and theft from the person, the sharp rise in other crime (up 400%) and criminal damage (up 250%) suggests a need for targeted local interventions. This context is critical for residents assessing their personal risk and for local authorities evaluating resource allocation.