Brighouse Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Brighouse’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, 34.4% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This places the area significantly higher than the national benchmark, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 44.2% of all crimes—64% above the UK average. Shoplifting and public order offences also exceeded national rates by 90% and 95% respectively, reflecting patterns often seen in towns with active retail sectors or high foot traffic areas. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, may have contributed to a shift in crime dynamics, with indoor spaces potentially becoming more frequented by individuals engaged in violent or disorderly behaviour. However, the overall crime profile does not align neatly with typical seasonal fluctuations, suggesting that local factors such as the town’s built-up character and proximity to Calderdale’s industrial zones could play a role. The prominence of violence and sexual offences, which are 64% above the UK average, may indicate challenges related to community cohesion or policing priorities that require further attention. While the UK average for property crimes is lower than Brighouse’s, the town’s rate of shoplifting—1.1 per 1,000—suggests a need for targeted interventions in retail areas. These findings highlight a combination of local demographics, infrastructure, and national crime trends, necessitating a nuanced approach to addressing the area’s specific challenges.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in theft from the person (+100%) and robbery (+100%), with both crimes doubling compared to January. Criminal damage and arson also rose by 64.3%, from 14 to 23 incidents, suggesting potential spikes in vandalism or arson during the winter months. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 33.3%, and other crime decreased by 18.2%, indicating some areas of improvement. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 44.2% of all crimes—64% above the UK average. This stark divergence from national trends may be linked to local factors such as the town’s retail activity, which could drive shoplifting and public order offences. Residents might find the doubling of theft from the person particularly concerning, as it highlights vulnerabilities in personal safety during the month.

Brighouse's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, a 20.3% increase from 7.2 per 1,000 in January. This places the area 34.4% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, highlighting a marked divergence from national trends. On a daily basis, 10 crimes were reported in February, translating to roughly one incident for every 116 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is a local figure, it underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population of 32,750. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Brighouse faces a higher burden of crime compared to the UK as a whole, particularly in violent and property-related categories. This contrast may reflect local factors such as the town’s retail and public spaces, which could contribute to higher rates of shoplifting and public order offences compared to more rural or less densely populated areas.