Loughton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Loughton, 5.8 crimes were reported in February 2026, placing the area 9.4% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This rate translates to roughly one crime for every 173 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises risk in everyday terms. The crime profile shows a clear divide between violent and property offences, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 38.3% of all reported incidents—nearly 74 cases—making it the most prevalent category. Shoplifting, at 11.9% of total crimes, and criminal damage and arson, at 10.9%, highlight vulnerabilities in retail and public spaces. Seasonal factors likely contribute to these patterns, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may reduce opportunities for certain crimes while concentrating others in indoor or high-traffic areas. The area’s built-up nature within Epping Forest—likely a mix of residential, commercial, and community spaces—may explain the balance between violent incidents and property-related crimes. While the overall rate remains stable compared to previous months, the seasonal context suggests that as outdoor activity resumes in spring, patterns may shift again, with potential increases in vehicle crime or public order offences linked to changing weather and social dynamics.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in anti-social behaviour (+157.1%) and criminal damage and arson (+75.0%), with the latter rising from 12 to 21 incidents. These jumps contrast with declines in robbery (-50.0%) and vehicle crime (-46.2%), suggesting shifting priorities among offenders or changes in policing focus. Shoplifting remains a persistent concern, with rates 21% above the UK average (0.7 vs 0.6 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may reflect Loughton’s retail density compared to more rural areas. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour’s dramatic increase—though still below the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000—raises questions about local stressors or enforcement patterns. Residents might find the 29% below-average rate for other theft (0.3 vs 0.4 per 1,000) reassuring, though this category’s low volume (11 incidents) means it remains a minor concern. The data also shows Loughton’s vehicle crime rate (0.2 per 1,000) is 43% below the UK average, a figure that could be linked to the area’s limited commuter traffic or effective parking enforcement.

Loughton’s crime rate in February 2026 remained stable at 5.8 per 1,000, matching the previous month’s rate exactly. This consistency suggests no significant short-term trends, though the composition of crimes has shifted. On a daily basis, 7 crimes were reported each day—equivalent to roughly one incident for every 1,199 residents per day. Over the course of the month, this aggregates to one crime for every 173 residents, a figure that helps residents contextualise risk in terms of personal probability. When compared to the UK average, Loughton’s 9.4% deficit in overall crime rate is notable, but the breakdown reveals mixed performance across categories. For example, the area’s anti-social behaviour rate (0.5 per 1,000) is 45% below the UK average, potentially reflecting strong community engagement or effective local policing. Conversely, shoplifting and criminal damage rates exceed national averages, highlighting areas where targeted interventions may be needed. The population context also matters: with 33,387 residents, Loughton’s crime figures are scaled to a community size that is neither densely urban nor sparsely rural, creating a unique balance between public safety and local resources.