Retford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Retford's overall crime rate reach 7.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.2% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marks a continuation of elevated crime levels relative to national benchmarks, though the area's profile reveals notable variations in crime types. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 80 incidents (44.4% of total crimes), a rate 42% above the UK average. Shoplifting, at 32 cases (17.8% of total), was 124% above the UK average, reflecting persistent challenges in retail crime. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 23% below the UK average, suggesting local efforts may have mitigated some community-level disturbances. Seasonal context plays a role: February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull likely contributed to reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes, though indoor and retail-based offences remain prominent. The area's built-up character within Bassetlaw, with a mix of residential and commercial zones, may explain the high rate of shoplifting and violence compared to more rural or suburban locales. While the overall rate remains concerning, the disparity between specific crime categories and UK averages highlights areas for targeted intervention.

February 2026 witnessed significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Burglary decreased by 33.3% (from 6 to 4 incidents), a shift consistent with the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity that may reduce opportunities for residential break-ins. Similarly, drugs-related crimes fell by 71.4% (from 7 to 2), potentially linked to seasonal factors or temporary reductions in demand. Other crime also dropped by 30% (from 10 to 7), indicating a broader trend in some non-violent categories. Conversely, shoplifting surged by 77.8% (from 18 to 32), likely driven by retail activity during the post-Christmas period and the proximity of major shopping centres in the area. Robbery and theft from the person each doubled, with 2 incidents each (up from 1 and 0 respectively), raising concerns about targeted offences in high-traffic zones. These fluctuations underscore the need for tailored policing strategies, particularly in retail corridors and public spaces where shoplifting and personal theft have spiked. The stark contrast between decreases in burglary and increases in retail crime highlights the complexity of local crime dynamics, with no single factor explaining all trends.

Retford's crime rate in February 2026 rose 7.8% compared to January's 6.9 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 6 crimes per day over the 28-day month, a figure that underscores the persistent nature of local crime despite seasonal lulls. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 134 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than some urban centres, remains higher than the UK average. This statistic is particularly relevant for residents assessing their personal risk: in a community of 24,171 people, the chance of experiencing a crime is roughly 0.75% over the course of the month. When compared to the previous month, the increase in violence-related offences (up 7.8% overall) contrasts with the decline in burglary and drugs-related crimes, suggesting a shift in criminal activity patterns. The population context reveals that Retford's crime rate, while elevated compared to the UK average, remains lower than many major cities, indicating that local factors—such as the area's mix of commercial and residential zones—play a significant role in shaping crime trends. This comparison provides residents with a clearer picture of how Retford's crime profile aligns with both national benchmarks and local historical patterns.