Petersfield Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Petersfield's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for nearly half of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents, the area recorded 86 total crimes, placing it 14.1% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a marked increase from the previous month's rate of 3.6 per 1,000, reflects a broader pattern of seasonal crime dynamics. The winter months typically see reduced outdoor activity, which may contribute to lower property crime rates—only 23 incidents were reported, compared to 41 violent crimes. The dominance of violent crime aligns with Petersfield's character as a built-up area within East Hampshire, where population density and social interactions may amplify certain types of offences. Violence and sexual offences in the area are 12% above the UK average, suggesting local factors that could include community tensions or specific vulnerabilities in the area's social fabric. Meanwhile, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour remain well below national averages, indicating effective local deterrents or a lower incidence of these particular crimes in the area. The seasonal context of February—marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may also explain the relatively low levels of vehicle crime and public order offences, both of which are below UK averages. However, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences raises questions about underlying factors that could be linked to the area's demographics, economic conditions, or other local pressures. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions while highlighting Petersfield's overall position as a relatively safe area compared to the UK as a whole.

February 2026 saw a 95.2% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 21 to 41 incidents. This surge, which now constitutes 47.7% of all crimes reported, is 12% above the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 14% compared to the UK average, with just 8 incidents recorded. Other notable shifts include a 100% increase in 'other crime' (from 0 to 2 incidents) and a 66.7% rise in other thefts. Theft from the person, however, fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), a drop that may reflect heightened awareness during the winter months. The property crime category remained relatively low, with only 23 incidents reported—well below the violent crime total. These fluctuations highlight the area's vulnerability to specific crime types while underscoring its comparative safety in others.

Petersfield's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 51.1% compared to the previous month, moving from 3.6 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still positions the area 14.1% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 3 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 182 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, illustrating that while the area's crime rate has risen, it remains relatively low when compared to the national average. The population-scaled perspective further underscores that the majority of Petersfield's residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis, with the 1-in-182 figure highlighting the rarity of personal encounters with crime. This statistical framing helps contextualise the increase as a local fluctuation rather than an indication of widespread risk.