Dunstable Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dunstable's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.8 per 1,000, 25% below the UK average of 6.4. This performance underscores the area's relative safety, though the crime profile reveals specific patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.5% of all reported crimes, with 54 incidents recorded—a rate of 1.6 per 1,000, 31% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 19.3%, with 31 incidents, and other theft at 8.7%, highlighting the concentration of non-violent crimes in the built-up area. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—likely contributes to the subdued overall rate, though the persistence of violence suggests ongoing challenges in community safety. Property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting show mixed trends, with shoplifting halving from January but burglary rising sharply. This contrast may reflect the interplay between seasonal factors and localised pressures, such as the absence of high-street retail activity during colder months. The area's character as a built-up centre within Central Bedfordshire, with a mix of residential and commercial zones, likely shapes these patterns, though further analysis would be required to confirm direct links.

February saw a significant 30.8% decrease in violence and sexual offences, dropping from 78 to 54 incidents. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull in outdoor activity.6 per 1,000 remains 31% below the UK average. Shoplifting fell by half, with 7 incidents reported compared to 14 in January, a reduction consistent with seasonal patterns. Conversely, burglary increased by 30%, rising from 10 to 13 cases—a 60% jump above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect unmet demand for property crime in an area where anti-social behaviour and violence have decreased. Public order offences rose by 33.3%, suggesting a shift in crime dynamics that warrants local scrutiny. The 100% increase in theft from the person, though a single incident, highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns in high-traffic areas.

Dunstable's crime rate in February 2026 fell by 17.5% compared to January's 5.8 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. Daily crime statistics show an average of six reported incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 208 residents, a monthly exposure rate that positions Dunstable as one of the safer built-up areas in the UK. With a population of 33,531, this translates to a manageable level of risk for residents, though localised spikes in specific categories remain noteworthy. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the overall rate is low, targeted efforts may still be required in areas where crime rates deviate from the national average, such as burglary. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of maintaining current initiatives while remaining vigilant to emerging patterns.