Woodbridge Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a stark contrast in crime trends for Woodbridge, with shoplifting experiencing an unprecedented 300% surge, a move that defies expectations for a built-up area in East Suffolk typically characterised by low crime rates. The overall crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents placed Woodbridge 50% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a gap that underscores the area's relative safety. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, accounted for 32.3% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 1.1 per 1,000 — 53% below the UK average. This was followed by anti-social behaviour (22.6%) and criminal damage and arson (12.9%), both of which remained significantly below national benchmarks. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, likely contributed to the lower overall crime levels, though the sharp rise in shoplifting suggests a possible connection to retail activity or other local factors. The area's character as a small built-up community with limited nightlife and minimal commuter traffic may explain the absence of higher rates of vehicle crime or public order offences typically seen in larger urban centres. These patterns, combined with the month-on-month fluctuations, highlight the combination of seasonal rhythms and local dynamics in shaping Woodbridge's crime profile.

February 2026 saw dramatic shifts in specific crime categories, with shoplifting surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and anti-social behaviour rising by 250% (from 2 to 7). These increases contrast sharply with the 44.4% decline in violent crimes, which fell from 18 to 10, a drop that aligns with the seasonal reduction in public activity. The violent crime rate of 1.1 per 1,000 in Woodbridge was 53% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, highlighting the area's continued safety in this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting's jump to 0.4 per 1,000 — 31% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 — suggests a localised spike that may reflect retail patterns during the pre-spring period. Residents may find the 300% increase in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, given its potential link to post-Christmas sales or seasonal retail promotions.

Woodbridge's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.2 per 1,000 residents, a 22.5% decline from the previous month's rate of 4.2 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the seasonal lull typical of winter months, when outdoor activity and foot traffic in the built-up area tend to decrease. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day in February, a figure that reflects the low overall rate relative to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 308 residents, underscoring the relatively low exposure to crime in Woodbridge compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 9,559, the local context suggests that crime remains a rare occurrence, though the month-on-month fluctuations highlight the need for continued monitoring of specific categories such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.