Cheshunt Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Cheshunt's overall crime rate at 6.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.8% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and national trends, with the built-up area within Broxbourne experiencing a mix of persistent and shifting crime patterns. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.2% of total), shoplifting (20.5%), and anti-social behaviour (15.1%). Violence and sexual offences in Cheshunt stood at 2.2 per 1,000, 5% below the UK average for this category, suggesting targeted interventions may have had a measurable impact. In contrast, shoplifting rates were 141% above the UK average, a stark deviation that may relate to the area's retail density and foot traffic patterns. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—likely contributed to some trends, such as reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes but increased indoor activity in commercial spaces. The lower rate of violent crime compared to the UK average may align with Cheshunt's character as a relatively stable, commuter-oriented suburb with fewer high-density residential areas. However, the spike in shoplifting raises questions about the effectiveness of existing retail security measures and the potential influence of seasonal shopping patterns or economic pressures.

February 2026 marked a notable 60.5% increase in shoplifting compared to January, with 61 incidents reported—far exceeding the UK average by 141%. This surge, which outpaced other crime categories, may be linked to the area's retail presence and the timing of post-holiday sales or seasonal promotions. Conversely, other thefts saw a sharp decline of 61.1% (36 to 14), possibly reflecting improved security measures or reduced opportunities during the winter lull. Robbery rates also fell by 50%, from six to three incidents, a decrease that could indicate successful community policing efforts or a general reduction in high-risk environments. The most alarming shift was the 300% increase in possession of weapons, rising from one to four cases. This anomaly, though small in absolute terms, may signal a growing concern in specific neighbourhoods and deserves closer attention from local authorities. Meanwhile, Cheshunt's performance in certain categories stood out: anti-social behaviour was 10% above the UK average, while public order offences were 51% below. These disparities highlight the need for tailored strategies, such as enhanced monitoring in areas prone to anti-social conduct or continued investment in community engagement programs that have likely contributed to the drop in public order crimes.

Cheshunt's crime rate in February 2026 (6.9 per 1,000) represented a 16.5% decline from the previous month's rate of 8.2, indicating a positive trajectory despite remaining above the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 146 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in a way that is directly relatable to local residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 11 crimes per day, a statistic that, while seemingly high, must be considered alongside Cheshunt's population of 43,446. This daily rate is comparable to other similar-sized built-up areas, though the specific composition of crimes—particularly the elevated shoplifting rates—sets Cheshunt apart. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the absolute number of crimes may appear concerning, the proportion of the population affected is relatively modest. For instance, the 1-in-146 monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average for many comparable areas, suggesting that local initiatives or demographic characteristics may be contributing to this relative safety. The contrast between Cheshunt's performance in violent crime (5% below UK average) and its elevated shoplifting rates (141% above) underscores the importance of targeted policing and community-based solutions tailored to the area's unique needs.