Upton (Dorset) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Upton (Dorset) continues to demonstrate a markedly lower crime profile than the UK average, with a February 2026 rate of 4.3 crimes per 1,000 residents — 32.8% below the national figure of 6.4. This built-up area within Dorset, likely influenced by its rural-adjacent character and limited commercial density, shows a distinct pattern in crime types. Violence and sexual offences account for 43.2% of total crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.6%, and vehicle crime at 10.8%. These figures contrast with the UK averages, where violence and sexual offences occur at 2.3 per 1,000 (22% below Upton’s rate) and anti-social behaviour aligns closely with the national average. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull — may contribute to the lower overall rate, though the prominence of violent crimes suggests other factors at play. The area’s compact built-up nature, with limited industrial or retail infrastructure, likely reduces opportunities for property-related crimes compared to larger urban centres. However, the presence of vehicle crime above the UK average (43% higher) hints at specific vulnerabilities, possibly tied to local parking patterns or vehicle storage practices. This data underscores the need for targeted local analysis rather than broad generalisations, as Upton’s crime profile reflects a unique combination of geographic and demographic characteristics.

February 2026 saw dramatic month-on-month increases in vehicle crime (+300%), anti-social behaviour (+60%), and burglary (+50%), though these remain below UK averages for some categories. The sharp rise in vehicle crime — from one to four incidents — suggests potential shifts in local patterns, such as increased vehicle idling in residential areas during cold weather or changes in parking habits. Anti-social behaviour, now at 8 incidents (21.6% of total crimes), shows a significant increase from five in January, possibly linked to seasonal transitions or community events. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences (16 incidents) remain 22% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Upton’s historically lower violent crime rates. Burglary, though up by 50% to three incidents, still sits 60% above the UK average (0.2 per 1,000), indicating a localised risk factor that may require further investigation. The contrast between Upton’s below-average violent crime and above-average vehicle crime highlights the area’s specific vulnerabilities, which could inform community safety strategies. For residents, the 300% surge in vehicle crime is a particularly immediate concern, warranting attention to local parking and vehicle security measures.

February 2026 marked a 42.5% increase in Upton’s crime rate compared to January, rising from 3.0 to 4.3 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though still well below the UK average, underscores the need for contextual analysis. On a daily basis, Upton experienced roughly one crime per day in February — a figure that, while low, reflects the area’s small population of 8,691 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 235 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable built-up areas. However, this aggregate figure masks the specific increases in certain crime types, such as vehicle crime and burglary, which may indicate emerging risks. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Upton’s residents face a crime environment that is both safer than the UK average in key areas (violence, anti-social behaviour) and more vulnerable in others (vehicle crime, burglary). This duality suggests that local factors — such as vehicle storage practices or seasonal changes in community dynamics — play a critical role in shaping crime patterns. While the overall rate remains low, the month-on-month rise highlights the importance of monitoring trends to ensure that Upton’s relative safety is maintained.