Accrington Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Accrington's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 12.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 92.2% above the UK average of 6.4. This stark contrast with national figures underscores the unique challenges faced by this built-up area within Hyndburn. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.7% of all incidents—more than double the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.6% of reported crimes, also significantly exceeding the national benchmark. These patterns align with the characteristics of a mid-sized urban centre, where population density and social dynamics may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict and disorder. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity—may have influenced crime patterns, with some categories like shoplifting showing decreases due to reduced retail foot traffic. However, the persistence of violent crime and anti-social behaviour suggests systemic issues that require targeted interventions. The breakdown also reveals that property crimes, though lower in proportion, remain elevated compared to the UK average. This data illustrates an area grappling with crime that is both persistent and multifaceted, requiring a nuanced approach to address root causes.

February 2026 saw a 250% increase in 'Other crime' reports, rising from 4 to 14 incidents. This surge, while unclassified in detail, may reflect underreported or emerging criminal activities. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 26.2% (from 42 to 31), possibly linked to reduced foot traffic during the winter months. Violent crimes, at 186 incidents, remained 120% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent issue in the area. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime type, was 153% above the UK average, pointing to ongoing challenges with community disorder. These figures illustrate a complex mix of stability and change, with certain categories showing marked divergence from national trends.

Accrington's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to January, with a 1.3% increase from 12.1 to 12.3 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major spikes or dips in overall criminal activity during the month. Locally, 16 crimes were reported daily, reflecting the area's persistent challenge with crime relative to its population of 36,258. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 81 residents, underscoring the monthly exposure to crime. While this figure is specific to Accrington, it highlights the need for continued community engagement and policing efforts. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher risk of crime than the average UK resident, with rates nearly double the national average. This context is critical for understanding the area's unique challenges compared to other parts of the country.