Otley Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture in Otley during February 2026, accounting for 34.3% of all reported incidents. This category, which recorded 25 cases, was significantly higher than the UK average for violent crime (2.3 per 1,000 residents).4% below the national average. The prominence of violent crime in Otley may be linked to its compact built-up area, where higher population density and limited space for private activity can create conditions conducive to interpersonal conflicts. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the crime profile: with February marking the height of winter, lower temperatures and reduced daylight hours likely contributed to a 5.2% month-on-month decline in overall crime rates, as outdoor activities and public gatherings diminish. However, this seasonal dip does not fully explain the persistent elevation in certain categories, such as criminal damage and arson, which remained 52% above the UK average. The local context—Otley’s mix of retail, residential, and recreational spaces—may amplify the visibility of property-related crimes while simultaneously reducing opportunities for vehicle crime, which fell by 44.4% compared to the previous month. These patterns underscore the need for targeted strategies that address both the unique vulnerabilities of the built-up area and the broader seasonal influences shaping crime trends.

February 2026 saw a striking 700% increase in 'other theft' cases, rising from 1 to 8 incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened awareness or reporting following local initiatives, though no specific programmes are cited in the data. Concurrently, theft from the person doubled from 0 to 2 cases, a 100% increase that could be linked to seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic in retail areas during pre-spring shopping periods. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime both fell by 44.4%, with shoplifting dropping from 9 to 5 incidents. This decline may align with reduced outdoor activity in winter, a pattern consistent with other UK areas where cold weather curtails opportunities for such crimes. Criminal damage and arson in Otley were 52% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 56% lower rate for anti-social behaviour. This divergence suggests that while community-focused efforts may be effective in curbing public disorder, targeted interventions are needed for property-related crimes in the area.

Otley’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 5.8 per 1,000 residents, a 5.2% decrease from the previous month’s 6.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal trends observed in similar built-up areas, where winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and lower foot traffic in public spaces. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day over the 28-day period, reflecting a consistent but manageable level of activity. When scaled to the population of 12,624, this translates to one reported crime for every 173 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, it highlights the importance of localized context: Otley’s compact built-up area, with its mix of retail, residential, and recreational spaces, may contribute to both higher visibility of certain crimes (such as anti-social behaviour) and lower rates in others (like vehicle crime). The data suggests that while overall crime has dipped, specific categories like criminal damage and arson remain elevated relative to national benchmarks, warranting closer attention to local factors such as community engagement or environmental conditions.