Dudley Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a slight upward trend in Dudley's crime rate, with a 0.8% increase from January to 8.0 crimes per 1,000 residents — 25% above the UK average of 6.4. The month's data reveals a stark focus on violent crime, which accounted for 46.9% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (9.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where violence constitutes 59% of all crimes, suggesting Dudley's violent crime rate is higher than the national figure. Seasonal context may play a role, as February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could influence crime dynamics. However, the area's built-up nature and historical industrial character likely contribute to persistent property crimes, with shoplifting and criminal damage rates 21% and 52% above UK averages respectively. The data also highlights a significant disparity in vehicle crime, which is 71% higher than the UK average — linked to Dudley's commuter traffic and retail presence. While the overall rate remains stable compared to previous months, the concentration of violent crime raises questions about local factors, such as community tensions or policing strategies, that may require further analysis. The seasonally low activity could also mean that some crimes are being underreported or delayed until more active months.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in robbery (+180%), shoplifting (+100%), and bicycle theft (+100%) compared to January, with robbery alone rising from 5 to 14 incidents. This surge in robbery is particularly notable given its 122% above the UK average, suggesting a possible shift in criminal behavior during the winter months. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell sharply by 64.7%, from 17 to 6 incidents, which may reflect seasonal patterns or temporary disruptions in supply chains. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 40%, from 10 to 6 cases, though this remains 89% below the UK average — a statistic that could indicate effective local interventions or underreporting. The breakdown also reveals stark disparities in crime types: while violent crimes dominate (3.7 per 1,000), possession of weapons is 186% above the UK average, a figure that could signal specific challenges in Dudley's policing priorities. For residents, the most immediate concern appears to be the doubling of shoplifting incidents, which may be linked to retail areas experiencing higher foot traffic during the pre-spring period. These shifts highlight the need for targeted measures to address rising violent and property crimes, even as other categories show signs of decline.

Dudley's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable at 7.9 per 1,000 in January, with only a 0.8% increase to 8.0 per 1,000 — a change that suggests no significant monthly volatility. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 18 crimes per day over the 28-day month, translating to one reported crime for every 126 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure, while not directly comparable to UK-wide statistics, places Dudley in a category where crime is more frequent than the national average. With a population of 63,175, the 503 total crimes reported in February equate to a daily rate that is higher than many similarly sized built-up areas. The data also reveals that Dudley's violent crime rate (3.7 per 1,000) is 59% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect local socioeconomic factors or differences in reporting practices. However, the area's performance in certain categories — such as theft from the person (17% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (89% below) — suggests that some crime prevention measures may be working effectively. These contrasting trends underscore the complexity of Dudley's crime profile, where certain categories are significantly above the UK average while others remain below, indicating a need for nuanced policy approaches.