Maldon Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Maldon's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 50.5% of all reported crimes. This category alone recorded 112 incidents, translating to 1.6 crimes per 1,000 residents—31% below the UK average. The overall crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents for the district places it 50% below the national average, a statistic that reflects both the area's geographical character and seasonal dynamics. As a coastal town with a mix of historic residential areas and modern amenities, Maldon's crime profile is shaped by its relatively low population density and the seasonal rhythms of its economy. The winter months typically see reduced outdoor activity, which may contribute to the lower rates of vehicle crime and public order offences observed in February. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences suggests a need to consider local factors such as social cohesion and policing strategies. This category's rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents is lower than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, though the proportion of violent crimes in Maldon's total crime mix remains higher than in many comparable areas. The seasonal context of February—as a pre-spring lull—may have influenced the balance between property and violent crimes, with the latter maintaining a stronger presence despite the overall drop in activity levels. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.3 per 1,000 residents, also remains 67% below the UK average, reflecting the district's generally stable community environment. While direct causal links, the combination of low population density, seasonal factors, and targeted policing efforts likely plays a role in maintaining Maldon's below-average crime rates.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 50% compared to January, rising from 14 to 21 incidents. This surge may reflect the social dynamics of a low-population-density area during colder months, where indoor gatherings and limited outdoor activity could amplify interpersonal tensions. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 28.7% month-on-month, decreasing from 157 to 112 incidents. This decline aligns with the seasonal lull typically observed in Maldon during winter, though it contrasts with the UK average for this category, which remains 31% higher than local rates. Shoplifting also dropped by one-third, from 18 to 12 incidents, linked to reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the pre-spring lull. The most extreme month-on-month change was the 200% increase in possession of weapons, rising from one to three incidents—a figure that, while small in absolute terms, warrants attention given the UK-wide average for this category is 100% below Maldon's rate.

Maldon's February 2026 crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents marks an 18.9% decline from the previous month's rate of 4.0 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in the area, where colder months see a natural dip in outdoor-related crimes. Over the course of February, 222 total crimes were reported, translating to an average of 8 crimes per day. This daily figure provides a tangible snapshot of the local crime profile, though it remains significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to Maldon's population. The monthly exposure figure—1 reported crime for every 311 residents—places the area well within the safer end of the national spectrum. When contextualised against Maldon's population of 69,131, this statistic illustrates that the majority of residents experience minimal direct exposure to crime, a trend consistent with the district's relatively low overall crime rate.