Market Harborough Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Market Harborough's crime profile in February 2024 reflects a marked divergence from the UK average, with an overall rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents—60.6% below the national figure of 7.1. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crime, where violence and sexual offences occurred at 0.9 per 1,000, 64% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. The area's crime mix is dominated by property-related offences, which account for 51.7% of total incidents (37 out of 73), with shoplifting and criminal damage and arson making up the largest shares. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the relatively low crime levels, particularly for outdoor-focused offences like vehicle crime. Market towns often benefit from tight-knit communities and visible policing, factors that may contribute to the sustained suppression of violent crime. However, the dominance of property crimes suggests that retail and commercial spaces remain vulnerable, linked to the area's role as a regional market hub. While direct causes for the 60.6% gap from the UK average, the combination of low violent crime and high property crime rates illustrates a distinct local pattern, one that may be shaped by both geographical and social characteristics.

February 2024 saw an 84.6% decrease in vehicle crime, the most significant drop among all categories, with incidents falling from 13 to 2. This sharp decline may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced traffic volume during winter or the impact of local initiatives targeting car-related offences. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 9.1%, rising from 11 to 12 incidents, a minor upward trend that contrasts with the overall downward trajectory. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences—accounting for 32.9% of total incidents—remain 64% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This stark contrast to national figures suggests the area's unique social dynamics, possibly influenced by its status as a market town with strong community ties. For residents, the daily crime rate of 3 incidents offers a tangible measure of safety, though the low numbers reinforce the town's reputation as a relatively secure place to live.

Market Harborough's crime rate in February 2024 fell to 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a 40.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This decline places the area significantly below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, with the gap widening over recent months. On a daily basis, 3 crimes were reported across the 29-day period, translating to roughly one crime for every 353 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in the area compared to national trends. With a population of 25,763, the rate remains consistent with the characteristics of a market town, where community engagement and local policing may contribute to sustained low crime levels. The reduction in vehicle crime by 84.6% and other theft by 57.1% suggests targeted interventions or seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during winter, may have played a role in shaping the current landscape.