Leeds Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Leeds for February 2026 reveals a starkly urban profile, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 37.8% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (10.1%) and anti-social behaviour (7.6%). This distribution reflects the characteristics of a major city with high population density, significant retail and nightlife activity, and complex social dynamics. The overall crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 residents places Leeds 42.2% above the UK average, a gap that underscores the challenges of managing crime in a large, diverse urban area. Seasonal factors may partly explain the lower-than-expected levels of property crime, as winter months typically see reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for theft. However, the high rates of violent crime—47% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences—suggest deeper systemic issues, such as concentrated poverty, social fragmentation, or gaps in community policing. Shoplifting, though a smaller share of total crimes, remains 55% above the UK average, likely driven by the presence of major shopping districts and high foot traffic. The sharp contrast between these figures and the UK average highlights the need for tailored interventions, such as targeted anti-social behaviour campaigns, enhanced retail security, and community programmes to address root causes of violence. While the pre-spring lull may have temporarily softened some crime trends, the underlying patterns point to sustained challenges that require long-term solutions.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 8.0% (540 to 583 incidents) and other crime rising by 6.5% (262 to 279). These increases contrast with declines in drugs-related offences (-22.9%), vehicle crime (-19.2%), and robbery (-16.2%). The dominance of violent crime—violence and sexual offences alone make up nearly 38% of all reported incidents—positions Leeds as an area where interpersonal conflict and public safety remain critical concerns. Shoplifting, at 10.1% of all crimes, remains high compared to the UK average, with a 55% gap. Burglary, however, stands out as the most extreme outlier, with a 140% gap above the UK average (0.6 vs 0.2 per 1,000). For residents, the sharp drop in vehicle crime (-19.2%) may signal improved security measures in car parks or a seasonal shift in criminal activity away from outdoor spaces.

Leeds’ crime rate in February 2026 stood at 9.1 per 1,000 residents, a 7.1% decrease from the previous month’s 9.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull in winter months, though local factors may also play a role. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 273 crimes per day, highlighting the persistent nature of criminal activity despite the seasonal dip. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 110 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban environment. With a population of 845,189, the scale of crime in Leeds necessitates targeted policing strategies and community engagement. The monthly exposure statistic, while not directly comparable to UK-wide data, serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in a major city with diverse neighbourhoods and high foot traffic.