Dacorum Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a notable shift in Dacorum's crime profile, with a 3.4% increase in overall crime rate compared to January, though the area still maintained a 1.6% advantage over the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000 residents. The most significant category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.9% of all crimes, a figure that sits 5% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 22.4%, but this category is 54% above the UK average, a stark contrast that warrants closer examination. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—likely contributed to the pre-spring lull in some areas but also created conditions where indoor and street-based crimes could flourish. Shoplifting, at 7.9% of total crimes, remained 14% below the UK average, suggesting that retail areas in Dacorum may be benefiting from effective security measures or lower foot traffic during this time of year. The balance between property and violent crimes saw a marked shift, with violent crime comprising over a third of all incidents, a significant increase from previous months. This pattern may be influenced by the area's demographic mix and the nature of its local amenities, though further analysis would be needed to confirm these correlations. The overall crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents, while slightly lower than the UK average, highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas experiencing specific spikes, particularly in violent and anti-social behaviour.

February 2026 saw alarming increases in theft from the person, which surged by 550% (from 2 to 13 cases), and robbery, which rose 366.7% (from 3 to 14). These jumps, though starting from low base numbers, indicate a sharp upward trend in personal crime. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 35.5% (31 to 42 cases), a rise that contrasts with the 54% above UK average for this category. Meanwhile, bicycle theft plummeted by 80% (from 5 to 1), likely reflecting seasonal patterns as winter activity wanes. The breakdown shows a 34.9% share of violent crimes, significantly above the UK average for this category (5% below). Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, where theft from the person and robbery are now 550% and 366.7% higher respectively compared to January.

Dacorum's crime rate in February 2026 rose 3.4% compared to January 2026, reflecting a shift in crime patterns. With 36 crimes reported daily on average, this equates to one reported crime for every 158 residents over the course of the month. While the overall rate remains 1.6% below the UK average, the increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour suggests evolving pressures. The population context reveals that 161,420 residents face a 1-in-158 chance of experiencing a crime this month, a figure that contextualises the scale of local exposure. This monthly exposure rate, though low by UK standards, underscores the need for vigilance in areas experiencing specific spikes, such as the 550% rise in theft from the person. The daily crime count serves as a tangible metric for residents, illustrating that while the overall rate remains stable, the distribution of crime types has shifted significantly.