Crawley Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Crawley's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 48.4% above the UK average of 6.4. This stark deviation from the national norm highlights a significant local challenge. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and shoplifting (13.5%). These figures align with Crawley's character as a major urban centre with a mix of commercial and residential zones, where high foot traffic in retail areas may contribute to shoplifting incidents. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may also influence patterns, with indoor gatherings exacerbating anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate remains elevated, the breakdown reveals a combination of factors, including the area's proximity to transport hubs and its role as a commuter town, which could drive both property crimes and public order issues. The marked increase in violent crimes compared to the UK average suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk zones, such as nightlife areas or transport interchanges. The data underscores the importance of community engagement and policing strategies tailored to Crawley's specific dynamics.

February 2026 saw a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, with incidents increasing by 44.9% compared to January, reaching 200 cases—an 87% jump above the UK average. This surge, coupled with a 76.5% rise in 'other crime' (from 17 to 30 cases), points to emerging challenges in managing public order. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 31% of all crimes and 29% above the UK average. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high concentrations of social housing or near transport links, where anti-social behaviour often spikes. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 81% (from 21 to 4), and bicycle theft decreased by 70% (from 10 to 3), potentially reflecting seasonal factors or increased security measures. The marked disparity between Crawley's shoplifting rate (1.3 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) underscores the need for enhanced retail crime prevention strategies, such as improved CCTV coverage or staff training. These findings highlight both the areas requiring immediate attention and the pockets where positive trends are emerging.

Crawley's crime rate in February 2026 decreased by 9.8% compared to the previous month's rate of 10.6 per 1,000, yet remains significantly higher than the UK average. Over the course of the month, residents faced an average of 40 crimes per day—a figure that, while lower than January, still reflects the area's elevated risk profile. On a monthly basis, one reported crime occurred for every 105 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents within a relatively short timeframe. This rate is particularly concerning given Crawley's population of 119,152, which means over 1,100 residents experienced a crime in February alone. While the decline from January suggests some stabilization, the persistent gap between Crawley's rates and the UK average—particularly for categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—indicates systemic issues that require sustained attention. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the volatility of crime trends, with sharp increases in certain categories offsetting declines in others. Residents should remain aware that even with a month-on-month reduction, the overall environment remains riskier than the national average, necessitating continued vigilance and community collaboration with local authorities.