Widnes Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 in Widnes, placing the area 9.4% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure highlights a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety, particularly given the prominence of violent crimes. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 46.4% of all reported incidents—nearly 42% higher than the UK average for this category. This overrepresentation may be linked to the area’s urban character, where high-density living and social interactions can contribute to such incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 12.5% of crimes, while public order offences accounted for 9.7%. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may have influenced patterns, with some crimes shifting indoors or to more confined spaces. Property crimes were relatively low, comprising only 23.3% of the total, a stark contrast to the 45% typically seen in UK urban areas. This discrepancy could be attributed to effective local policing strategies or the nature of Widnes’ built-up environment, which may deter certain types of property-related offences. While the overall rate remains elevated, the month’s data suggests a combination of seasonal factors and local conditions that warrant further analysis.

February 2026 witnessed significant reductions in burglary, drugs-related offences, and robbery, with burglary rates falling by 52.9% compared to the previous month. This decrease—from 17 to 8 incidents—may reflect heightened community awareness or targeted policing efforts in residential areas. Similarly, drugs offences dropped by 51.5% (33 to 16), a trend consistent with broader national efforts to curb illicit drug use. Robbery rates also declined by 33.3%, though this remains a rare occurrence, with only two reported incidents. In contrast, criminal damage and arson saw a sharp rise of 81.8%, jumping from 22 to 40 incidents. This surge may be tied to increased vandalism during colder months or the lack of outdoor activities pushing offenders indoors. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 55.9%, with reports rising from 34 to 53. This category’s volatility often mirrors community stress levels, which may be amplified during winter. Other crime, including unclassified incidents, rose by 30%, suggesting potential gaps in categorisation or emerging patterns yet to be fully understood. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 3.3 per 1,000—42% above the UK average. Residents may find it useful to note that shoplifting rates in Widnes were 31% below the UK average, a positive sign for local retailers.

The crime rate in February 2026 (7.0 per 1,000) remained stable compared to the previous month’s rate of 6.9, indicating no significant shift in overall crime levels. On a daily basis, Widnes experienced approximately 15 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 142 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, is manageable for a community of 60,372. When scaled to population size, the 9.4% deficit compared to the UK average suggests that local initiatives may be mitigating some risks, though the overrepresentation of violent crimes remains a concern. The contrast between Widnes’ lower property crime rates and its higher violent crime rates compared to the UK highlights a distinct profile. While property crimes in the area were 52% below the UK average (0.4 vs 0.6 per 1,000), violent crimes were 42% above (3.3 vs 2.3 per 1,000). This divergence may reflect the area’s urban density, where interpersonal conflicts are more likely to escalate. The stability in overall rates, despite fluctuations in specific categories, underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas such as those with elevated anti-social behaviour or criminal damage incidents.