Linthwaite and Slaithwaite Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Linthwaite and Slaithwaite’s crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 34.5% of all reported incidents. This category, at 2.0 per 1,000 residents, was 14% below the UK average, reflecting a consistent trend in the area’s lower rates of violent crime. The overall crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents marked a 10.9% reduction from the UK average, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively safe environment compared to national benchmarks. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark contrast between property-related offences and violent crime: criminal damage and arson, at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, exceeded the UK average by 161%, while shoplifting and vehicle crime also showed modest but notable increases. This divergence suggests that while violent crime remains a priority for local authorities, property crimes—particularly those involving vandalism and arson—require renewed attention. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate, as many crimes are tied to outdoor environments or social gatherings. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson may reflect other factors, such as increased indoor activity during colder weather or targeted vandalism in specific locations. The built-up nature of the area, combined with its proximity to Kirklees’ urban centres, could also influence crime patterns, with limited rural isolation reducing opportunities for certain types of crime while increasing exposure to others. These dynamics highlight the need for tailored strategies that address both the seasonal and structural influences shaping the area’s crime profile.

February 2026 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson surging by 300% from 3 to 12 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, which this area exceeded by 161%. This spike may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased indoor activity or targeted vandalism during colder months. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 41.2%, from 34 to 20 cases, a decline that aligns with the area’s 14% below the UK average for this category. Other notable shifts include a 200% increase in other theft and a 100% rise in anti-social behaviour, suggesting potential underreporting or evolving patterns in minor offences. The 200% rise in other theft—now at 3 incidents—could indicate a shift in offender focus, linked to unsecured properties or increased online activity during lockdowns. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, which rose from 2 to 4 incidents, may be influenced by the area’s built-up nature, where concentrated populations could amplify such interactions. These changes highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the unexpected rise in property-related crimes like criminal damage, which could indicate a shift in offender behaviour or unmet community needs.

The crime rate in Linthwaite and Slaithwaite fell by 12.1% from 6.4 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents between January and February 2026, a decline consistent with seasonal patterns observed in similar built-up areas within Kirklees. Over the 28 days of February, the average daily crime count stood at 2 incidents, reflecting a low but steady level of activity compared to the UK-wide average. This translates to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 177 residents, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low risk profile. With a population of 10,263, the 58 reported crimes represent a manageable burden, suggesting that local policing strategies and community engagement initiatives may be effectively mitigating risks. The population-scaled perspective further contextualises these numbers: the rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents is 10.9% below the UK average, highlighting a consistent trend in the area’s lower-than-national crime rates. However, the absence of a UK-wide daily comparison means this local context remains distinct, necessitating area-specific analysis to address emerging patterns. The stability in crime rates may also be influenced by the built-up nature of the area, where community-focused interventions and limited urban sprawl could contribute to sustained control over incidents.