Meltham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Meltham's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a striking contrast between property and violent crime trends. With a total crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents — 9.4% below the UK average — the area maintains a safer-than-average position. However, the distribution of crime types tells a different story: violent and sexual offences (20 incidents, 37.7% of total) dominate, surpassing the UK average for this category by 5%. This is consistent with Meltham's role as a built-up area within Kirklees, where community interactions and local amenities may contribute to higher interpersonal crime rates. Property crimes, though lower than the UK average (17 incidents, 15.1% of total), show significant spikes in shoplifting (8 incidents, 55% above UK average), possibly reflecting seasonal shopping patterns or unmet demand for illicit goods. The winter month context, with low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have intensified indoor-focused crimes such as drug possession (3 incidents, 30% above UK average). This balance of violent and property crime suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, requiring nuanced policing approaches. The area's relatively low overall rate compared to the UK highlights the effectiveness of existing crime prevention measures, though targeted interventions may be needed to address specific rising trends.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in drug-related offences, rising from 1 to 3 incidents — the most significant month-on-month jump. Shoplifting also doubled, with 8 incidents reported, surpassing the UK average by 55%. This surge in property crimes contrasts with a 42.9% rise in violent and sexual offences, which now account for 37.7% of all crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour (18.9% of total crimes) exceeded the UK average by 21%, reflecting persistent community tensions. While other theft and public order offences fell below UK averages, the property-violent crime balance suggests a shift in criminal priorities, possibly linked to seasonal factors or unmet demand for illicit substances. Residents may find the 55% UK-wide disparity in shoplifting rates particularly concerning, given the area's retail presence.

Meltham's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 20.5% compared to January, reflecting a shift in criminal activity patterns. Despite this increase, the overall rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents remains 9.4% below the UK average, underscoring the area's relative safety. Locally, the daily crime count averaged approximately 2 incidents per day over 28 days, a figure that aligns with the area's low population density and community-focused infrastructure. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure of one crime for every 172 residents illustrates the manageable nature of local crime, even as specific categories show volatility. This contrast between aggregate safety and category-specific fluctuations highlights the need for targeted policing strategies, particularly in addressing the surge in drug-related offences and shoplifting. The rise in crime compared to the previous month may partly reflect seasonal transitions, as February's pre-spring lull could temporarily amplify certain types of criminal activity.