Lincoln Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lincoln's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 10.7 per 1,000 residents, a stark 67.2% increase above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's persistent challenges with crime, though the month-on-month decline of 6.8% from January's 11.4 suggests a slight easing in pressure. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.6% of all reported incidents (399 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.3%) and shoplifting (16.4%). These patterns align with Lincoln's character as a historic city with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where high foot traffic in commercial districts may contribute to property crimes like shoplifting. Seasonal factors also appear to influence crime trends: the winter months typically see lower outdoor activity, which may explain the pre-spring lull in some categories. However, the sharp rise in robbery and bicycle theft suggests that localized issues—such as targeted criminal activity in specific neighbourhoods or increased vulnerability during colder weather—could be at play. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, meaning Lincoln's rate is 64% higher, a disparity that may reflect the city's demographic profile or the presence of high-risk areas. Anti-social behaviour, which is 142% above the UK average, could be linked to the city's nightlife and public spaces, where incidents such as vandalism or public intoxication are more common. These figures highlight the need for tailored community strategies to address both persistent and emerging crime challenges.

February 2026 saw a significant 84.6% increase in robbery cases, rising from 13 to 24, the largest single-month jump in this category. This surge contrasts with a 55.6% decline in drug-related crimes, which fell from 27 to 12, potentially reflecting changes in enforcement or community engagement. Violence and sexual offences also increased by 7.3%, reaching 399 incidents—64% above the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour dropped by 23.7%, from 299 to 228, a notable reduction that may indicate improved community policing efforts. Bicycle theft rose by 21.4%, from 14 to 17, a small but concerning upward trend in property crime. These shifts highlight the combination of factors affecting Lincoln's crime profile, from seasonal patterns to localized interventions.

Lincoln's crime rate in February 2026 fell by 6.8% compared to January's rate of 11.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight downward trend. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull in crime often observed in winter months. On a daily basis, Lincoln recorded approximately 40 crimes per day in February, reflecting a consistent level of activity despite the seasonal context. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 94 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents relative to the population. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, underscoring the need for continued community vigilance. The population context—Lincoln's 105,114 residents—means that while the absolute number of crimes may seem high, the rate per capita remains a critical measure for understanding local trends.