Weston (Dorset) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Weston (Dorset) experienced a notable shift in crime patterns during February 2026, with violent crimes rising sharply despite an overall crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents—32.8% below the UK average. This figure, while lower than the national average of 6.4 per 1,000, was driven by an unexpected 42.9% increase in violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 43.5% of all reported crimes. This surge in violent crime, though still below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, contrasts with a 60% decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 15 to 6 incidents. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partially explain these trends. Other crime, which rose by 100% from 0 to 3 incidents, exceeded the UK average by 300%, highlighting an unusual spike in this category. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson dropped by 83.3%, from 6 to 1, and public order offences fell by 51%, aligning with the UK average. The area’s crime profile suggests a combination of seasonal factors and localized dynamics, such as changes in policing focus or community engagement, that may have influenced these figures. With 5,300 residents, the low crime rate indicates a relatively safe environment, though the rise in violent crime warrants further attention.

February 2026 saw a 42.9% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 7 to 10 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 (18% below), contrasts with a 60% decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 15 to 6. Other crime also rose sharply by 100%, jumping from 0 to 3 incidents—a category that exceeded the UK average by 300%. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson plummeted by 83.3%, from 6 to 1, reflecting a marked shift in crime mix. For residents, the most striking change is the doubling of violent crimes, which now account for 43.5% of total reported incidents. This shift suggests a potential reallocation of resources or changing dynamics in local policing priorities. Other theft also dropped by 60%, from 5 to 2, aligning with the UK average but leaving questions about underlying trends.

Weston (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, marking a 39.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.2 per 1,000. This drop aligns with typical winter patterns, where reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may contribute to lower crime levels. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime every 28 days, translating to a monthly exposure of one crime for roughly every 230 residents. This figure places the area significantly below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, with a 32.8% deficit. For residents, this means a lower likelihood of encountering crime compared to the national average, though localized spikes in specific categories—such as violence and sexual offences—remain areas of focus. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even with a small population of 5,300, the crime rate is proportionally lower than the UK context, suggesting effective local policing or community factors may be at play.