Cannock Chase Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cannock Chase's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 43.5% of all reported crimes—a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents, 8% above the UK average. This anomaly contrasts with the district's overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000, which is 9.4% below the national average, highlighting a combination of local crime patterns and broader demographic trends. The area's relatively low rate of property crimes, particularly burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and other theft (0.2 per 1,000), both significantly below the UK average, suggests a combination of factors including lower population density, effective community policing, and limited commercial activity outside of key centres like Lichfield. Seasonal context further informs this picture: February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull likely contributed to the 13.6% month-on-month decrease in crime, though this may be partially offset by the spike in vehicle crime linked to post-Christmas travel patterns. The breakdown also reveals a marked contrast in public order offences, which are 22% above the UK average at 0.5 per 1,000—potentially reflecting the challenges of managing anti-social behaviour in smaller, closely-knit communities where incidents can have a more pronounced impact. This data underscores the importance of tailored approaches to crime prevention that balance the specific needs of a rural district with the broader national context.

February 2026 saw a 44.8% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 29 to 42 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened traffic during the post-Christmas period or changes in local parking patterns. Bicycle theft also spiked by 100%, with a single reported incident—though this anomaly may be attributed to a specific event or data collection irregularity. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell sharply by 53.3%, dropping from 30 to 14 cases, a trend consistent with seasonal patterns where illicit drug use often declines in colder months. The area's violent crime category—violence and sexual offences—remains 8% above the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000, a figure that could be influenced by the district's proximity to urban centres where such crimes are more prevalent. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.8 per 1,000, is 12% below the UK average, a contrast that may reflect the relatively low population density and community-oriented policing strategies in Cannock Chase.

Cannock Chase's February 2026 crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 13.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in the area, where winter months see lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in crime. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 22 crimes reported each day in February, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of life in a largely rural district with limited 24-hour commercial hubs. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 172 residents, a rate that is 9.4% below the UK average. This population-scaled perspective underscores Cannock Chase's relative safety compared to the national picture, particularly in categories such as criminal damage and arson, which are 35% below the UK average. The reduction in drug-related crimes—down 53.3% from 30 to 14 cases—may partly explain the overall drop, as illicit drug activity often correlates with higher levels of violent and property crime in similar areas.