Staplehurst Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Staplehurst's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a significant 39.1% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.4. This figure reflects the area's generally low crime profile, consistent with its status as a built-up area within Maidstone. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.6% of all incidents (9 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (26.9%, 7 cases) and shoplifting (7.7%, 2 cases). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited daylight and reduced outdoor activity—may contribute to the lower overall crime rate, though it also raises questions about the nature of incidents that do occur. The dominance of violent crimes in the breakdown contrasts with the UK average, where anti-social behaviour and property crimes tend to dominate. This discrepancy could be attributed to Staplehurst's compact, residential character, where interpersonal disputes may be more likely to escalate into violent incidents. Additionally, the relatively low rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime (both 0.3 per 1,000) suggest that local retail and transportation hubs are not major hotspots for such offences. However, the pre-spring lull in activity may also mean that these figures could shift as the weather improves and community events resume.

February 2026 saw a sharp increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from three to seven incidents—a 133.3% jump. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in burglary cases and the first reported possession of weapons, signals a shift in local crime patterns. While violent crimes remained the most common category (9 incidents, 34.6% of total), they were 44% below the UK average for this category. The significant drop in shoplifting (66.7% decrease) and other theft (75% decrease) may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas during winter. Residents should be particularly vigilant regarding anti-social behaviour, which now constitutes 26.9% of all reported crimes in the area. This category's 10% increase above the UK average highlights a potential local vulnerability, possibly linked to the area's built-up character and limited public spaces for community engagement.

Staplehurst's crime rate in February 2026 dropped by 31.6% compared to the previous month, falling from 5.7 to 3.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in winter months, where reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime rate compared to national averages. When considering the population context, the monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 258 residents underscores the rarity of incidents in Staplehurst. This statistic places the area in stark contrast to regions with higher population densities or more transient communities, where crime rates often reflect greater social and economic pressures. While the decrease is notable, the shift in crime types—particularly the rise in anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons—suggests evolving local dynamics that warrant closer attention.