Wivenhoe Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 6,600, Wivenhoe’s February 2026 crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents translates to 26 total crimes reported across the area. This figure, while low, places the built-up area 39.1% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, underscoring its relatively safe profile compared to the national context. The crime mix reveals a stark contrast between property and violent crime: shoplifting dominates with 14 incidents (53.9% of total), followed by 7 cases of violence and sexual offences (26.9%). These patterns may reflect the area’s character as a commuter suburb or small urban centre with retail hubs that attract opportunistic theft. Seasonal factors likely play a role in the overall low volume—February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. However, the prominence of shoplifting suggests that local retail environments remain a focal point for property crime. Violent crime, though lower than the UK average, remains a concern, with 7 incidents recorded. The relatively low rates of burglary, drugs, and criminal damage compared to national averages may indicate effective community policing or a demographic profile that mitigates these risks. The interplay of these factors illustrates an area where targeted crime prevention efforts, combined with the seasonal rhythm of the month, contribute to the current crime profile.

February 2026 saw a notable 17.6% decrease in shoplifting cases, dropping from 17 to 14. This reduction, while modest, contrasts with the 100% increase in burglary and ‘other crime’ categories, which both rose from zero to one incident. These shifts suggest a potential reallocation of criminal activity, though the small numbers mean interpretation must be cautious. Shoplifting remains high in Wivenhoe, with a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents—262% above the UK average for that category. This anomaly may be linked to local retail patterns, such as the presence of high-footfall areas or seasonal retail activity. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 30% compared to the previous month, aligning with the UK average’s 53% deficit for that category. This decrease could reflect the seasonal lull typical of winter months, when outdoor activity and nightlife engagement are lower. For residents, the 17.6% drop in shoplifting may offer practical reassurance, particularly in areas with frequent retail presence.

Wivenhoe’s crime rate in February 2026 fell to 3.9 per 1,000 residents, a 33.3% drop from the previous month’s rate of 5.9 per 1,000. This decline suggests a continued trend of reduced criminal activity, though the pace of reduction slowed compared to prior months. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that aligns with its status as a relatively low-crime built-up area within Colchester. When scaled to the local population of 6,600, this translates to one reported crime for every 254 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure is significantly lower than the UK average, the daily crime count provides a tangible measure of risk for residents. The population context further highlights that, despite the low overall rate, the area’s small size means even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a visible impact on community perception. This combination of low volume and manageable frequency may contribute to a sense of security among local residents, though the seasonal context of February—a pre-spring lull—may also play a role in the reduced activity.