Kirkby-in-Ashfield Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Kirkby-in-Ashfield recorded 162 crimes across a population of 19,749 residents, translating to a crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 individuals. This figure, 28.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, underscores a notable deviation from national trends. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.5% of total), anti-social behaviour (19.8%), and shoplifting (17.9%), with the latter two significantly exceeding UK averages. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with typically lower outdoor activity, may partly explain the patterns observed, though local dynamics such as retail presence and community interactions likely contribute to the elevated rates of certain offences. The balance between property and violent crime—property crimes accounting for 37.6% of the total—suggests a combination of factors, including the area’s character as a built-up area within Ashfield, where commercial and residential zones intersect. This context is critical for understanding the crime profile and informing targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences, while comprising 26.5% of total crimes, were 5% below the UK average for this category, indicating a nuanced contrast with national trends. Anti-social behaviour, at 19.8% of total crimes, was 76% above the UK average, reflecting potential pressures on local community services or unmet social needs. Shoplifting, at 17.9% of total crimes, was 159% above the UK average, likely linked to the town’s retail presence and high foot traffic in commercial areas. These patterns highlight the need for tailored strategies that address both the immediate security concerns of residents and the underlying factors contributing to crime in the area.

February 2026 saw a 600.0% increase in robbery incidents, rising from one to seven, a stark anomaly that may reflect heightened vulnerability in specific locations. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 33.3%, from 24 to 32 incidents, suggesting a shift in community dynamics or unmet needs in the area. In contrast, criminal damage and arson fell by 54.5%, from 22 to 10, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity. Shoplifting remained high, at 159% above the UK average, likely tied to the town’s retail presence. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 33.3% (3 → 4), though still 43% below the UK average, pointing to localized vulnerabilities in parking areas. The balance between property and violent crime—property crimes accounting for 37.6% of the total—suggests a combination of factors, including the area’s character as a built-up area within Ashfield, where commercial and residential zones intersect.

The crime rate in February 2026 stood at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, a 6.9% decline from the previous month’s rate of 8.8 per 1,000. This slight reduction aligns with the typical seasonal lull seen in winter months, when outdoor activity is lower. Over the 28 days of February, the area recorded an average of 6 crimes per day, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 122 residents during the month. While this figure is locally specific and not directly comparable to UK-wide averages, it provides a clear snapshot of the area’s monthly exposure. The population context is critical: with 19,749 residents, the 162 total crimes equate to a rate that, while above the UK average, reflects a concentration of certain crime types—particularly anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—driven by local dynamics such as retail activity and community interactions. This rate underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-impact areas without overgeneralising the broader regional context.