Waltham Cross Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Waltham Cross, a built-up area within Broxbourne, recorded a crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 residents in February 2026—57.8% above the UK average of 6.4. This stark divergence from national benchmarks suggests a unique set of local challenges that warrant closer examination. Violence and sexual offences (24.8% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (17.7%) dominated the crime profile, both significantly exceeding UK averages. The area's elevated rates may be influenced by its character as a small urban centre with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where social interactions and public spaces could contribute to higher incidents of disorder. February's winter context—marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have exacerbated certain trends, such as the concentration of crimes in indoor or community-based settings. Vehicle crime (9.9%) and shoplifting (8.5%) also featured prominently, reflecting potential vulnerabilities in parking areas or retail environments. While the UK average for anti-social behaviour is 0.9 per 1,000, Waltham Cross recorded 1.8, a doubling that could indicate specific pressures on local community cohesion or resource allocation. The data also highlights a 140% above-average rate for burglary (0.6 per 1,000), a figure that may be linked to the area's built-up nature and potential for unsecured properties. These patterns collectively illustrate a community grappling with crime that is higher than the national average, necessitating tailored approaches to address root causes while balancing the seasonal rhythms that shape local crime dynamics.

February 2026 saw a sharp 175% increase in public order offences, rising from 4 to 11 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% jump in shoplifting and bicycle theft, suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour, already 98% above the UK average, accounted for 17.7% of all crimes, a figure that may reflect local social dynamics or environmental factors. Vehicle crime remained 186% above the UK average at 1.0 per 1,000, a statistic that could indicate vulnerabilities in parking infrastructure or vehicle security practices. Meanwhile, robbery incidents fell 80% from 5 to 1, a decline that may be attributable to targeted policing efforts or seasonal factors. The stark contrast between rising public order offences and falling violent crime—violence and sexual offences dropped 18.6%—raises questions about the interplay between community engagement and enforcement strategies.

Waltham Cross's crime rate in February 2026 rose 9.4% from the previous month, climbing to 10.1 per 1,000 residents from 9.2. This places the area 57.8% above the UK average of 6.4, a disparity that underscores persistent local challenges. Daily crime statistics reveal 5 reported incidents per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects a consistent presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the area's population of 14,036, highlights the need for targeted interventions. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the rate is higher than the UK average, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable for a community of this size. This contrast between relative and absolute measures may help residents gauge risk levels more accurately, though the gap from national benchmarks suggests systemic factors require attention.