Knutsford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Knutsford’s crime profile in February 2026 illustrates a town that is markedly safer than the UK average, with a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents—43.8% below the national figure of 6.4. This performance places Knutsford in a category of areas where residents are less likely to experience crime than the average UK citizen. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.8% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (12.8%) and other theft (8.5%). These figures align with the area’s character as a built-up commuter hub within Cheshire East, where retail and commercial activity may drive shoplifting and public order offences. However, the town’s overall safety is reinforced by its consistently low rates compared to national averages, even as specific categories see short-term fluctuations. Seasonal context may also play a role: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, typically sees fewer property crimes and higher indoor-related offences, such as violence and drug-related incidents. This pattern is consistent with Knutsford’s built environment, where a mix of residential and commercial areas creates a unique crime dynamic. The town’s lower crime rates compared to the UK average are likely influenced by factors such as its proximity to Manchester, which may deter certain crimes, while its commuter function may contribute to specific trends like drug-related activity. These insights highlight the need for nuanced analysis of local conditions rather than broad generalisations.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with anti-social behaviour surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and drug-related offences doubling (from 2 to 4). Violence and sexual offences also rose sharply, climbing 57.1% to 22 incidents, though this figure remains 27% below the UK average. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 50% compared to January, reflecting a marked reduction in property-related crimes. The breakdown of crimes reveals a striking contrast in UK comparisons: while anti-social behaviour is 78% below the national average, drug offences in Knutsford are 30% higher than the UK rate. This divergence suggests local factors—such as the town’s proximity to Manchester and its role as a commuter hub—may influence drug-related activity, even as broader anti-social behaviour remains low. A resident might find the 200% increase in anti-social behaviour particularly concerning, given its direct impact on community safety. Meanwhile, the 50% drop in criminal damage and arson highlights the effectiveness of targeted policing efforts in property crime prevention.

Knutsford’s crime rate in February 2026 rose to 3.6 per 1,000 residents, a 2.3% increase from January’s 3.5 per 1,000. This minor fluctuation, however, does little to alter the town’s position as one of the UK’s safest communities, with a crime rate 43.8% below the national average of 6.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Knutsford recorded an average of two crimes per day over the 28-day month, a figure that underscores the rarity of criminal activity in this built-up area of Cheshire East. When scaled to the town’s population of 13,207, this translates to one reported crime for every 281 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate highlights the low probability of encountering crime in a community that has historically maintained lower rates compared to larger urban centres. The combination of consistent safety and minor fluctuations suggests that local infrastructure, community policing, and the town’s character as a commuter hub may contribute to its sustained low crime rates, even as specific categories see short-term spikes.