Witham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Witham's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 5.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 15.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marked improvement aligns with broader trends observed in similar built-up areas during the winter months, when reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower overall crime rates. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.4% of all reported incidents, followed by public order offences (16.5%) and anti-social behaviour (10.5%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited opportunities for outdoor crime—offers a plausible explanation for the relatively low overall rate, though local factors such as community initiatives or policing strategies may also play a role. The rate of violent crime in Witham (2.2 per 1,000) was 5% below the UK average, suggesting a consistent pattern of lower-than-average violent crime in this area. However, the sharp rise in public order offences compared to other categories highlights a potential shift in local dynamics, linked to increased social gatherings during the pre-spring lull or changes in policing focus. The overall crime profile illustrates a combination of seasonal trends and specific local conditions, with the area maintaining a safer-than-average profile despite the recent spike in certain categories.

February 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with public order offences surging by 266.7% compared to January, jumping from six to 22 incidents. This dramatic increase, while unusual, may reflect heightened community tensions or changes in local events during the month. Conversely, other crime categories experienced notable declines, with 'other crime' falling by 66.7% (from six to two incidents) and 'other theft' decreasing by 54.5% (from 11 to five). These reductions could indicate improved community engagement or more effective policing in those areas. The crime mix also revealed stark contrasts with the UK average: public order offences in Witham were 120% above the UK average (0.4 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour was 34% below (0.9 per 1,000). The most extreme disparity was observed in bicycle theft, which was 100% below the UK average (0.0 per 1,000), suggesting Witham's built-up area may have fewer opportunities for such crimes compared to more sprawling or tourist-heavy regions. A particularly concerning development was the 100% increase in theft from the person, with one incident reported in February after none in January—a figure that, while small, may warrant closer attention from local authorities.

Witham's crime rate remained stable in February 2026, showing a -0.7% change from the previous month's rate of 5.4 per 1,000. This consistency suggests that the overall crime environment has not shifted dramatically, though the composition of crimes has changed significantly. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of five crimes per day in February, a figure that, while modest, underscores the ongoing need for vigilance. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure to crime was such that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 187 residents over the course of the month—a rate that remains lower than the UK average. This monthly aggregate provides a useful benchmark for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of experiencing a crime in Witham is currently lower than the national average. However, the sharp increase in public order offences raises questions about whether this reflects a temporary spike or a more sustained trend. The stable rate contrasts with the UK-wide context, where crime typically fluctuates more sharply across months, suggesting that Witham may have a more consistent policing presence or community structure that mitigates seasonal variations. These figures, while reassuring in the broader context, highlight the importance of monitoring specific categories that show significant deviations from the norm.