Rothwell (Leeds) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences remain the dominant category in Rothwell (Leeds) crime statistics, accounting for 34.6% of all reported crimes in February 2026. With a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents, the area recorded 130 total crimes — 4.7% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This reflects a balanced distribution between property and violent crime, with 45 incidents each in these categories. The seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, likely contributes to patterns observed. While violence and sexual offences remain slightly below the UK average, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson rates are elevated, with anti-social behaviour 10% above the national average and criminal damage 52% above. These figures may partly explain the area’s crime profile, shaped by the dynamics of a built-up urban district within Leeds, where community interactions and public spaces play a significant role in shaping local crime trends. The relatively low burglary rate (60% below UK average) and sharp decline in drugs-related crimes (90% decrease month-on-month) suggest shifting priorities in criminal activity, potentially influenced by seasonal factors or local initiatives. The data underscores the importance of contextual analysis, linking crime patterns to both geographical characteristics and temporal rhythms.

February 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with anti-social behaviour surging by 83.3% (from 12 to 22 incidents), the highest month-on-month increase in the area. This rise, coupled with a 37.5% increase in shoplifting (8 to 11 incidents), contrasts sharply with the 90% drop in drugs-related crimes (from 10 to 1). These shifts highlight a potential reallocation of criminal activity, possibly influenced by seasonal changes or community dynamics. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.1 per 1,000 (34.6% of total crimes), remain below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, a 9% gap that suggests local factors may be moderating this category’s prevalence. Conversely, criminal damage and arson — at 0.7 per 1,000 — are 52% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, indicating a persistent challenge in this area. For residents, the sharp reduction in drugs-related crimes could signal a temporary shift in criminal priorities, though the rise in anti-social behaviour may point to ongoing social tensions that warrant attention. The data also reveals a 50% decrease in vehicle crime (18 to 9 incidents), which may reflect reduced outdoor activity during the winter months or improved local deterrents.

Rothwell’s crime rate in February 2026 (6.1 per 1,000) represents a 13.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.0 per 1,000, illustrating a downward trend over recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 5 crimes per day in February, a local figure that does not align with UK-wide daily averages. When scaled to the population of 21,421 residents, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 165 residents over the course of the month — a monthly aggregate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. This figure, while modest, underscores the need for continuous monitoring, particularly given the volatility in specific categories like anti-social behaviour. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the significance of short-term fluctuations, with the 13.3% decline potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and the transition into spring. However, the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggest that while overall crime is decreasing, certain issues remain entrenched. This nuanced picture — of a decline in overall crime yet persistent challenges in specific areas — reflects the combination of local conditions and broader national trends.