Medway Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Medway's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 40.1% of all reported crimes. This category alone exceeds the UK average by 34%, with a rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents compared to the national 2.3 per 1,000. The overall crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 for Medway places it 18.7% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, highlighting a persistent gap in local crime statistics. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson follow as the second and third most common categories, each significantly above UK averages. The winter month context may contribute to these patterns, as lower outdoor activity and colder weather often shift crime towards indoor spaces and social hubs. While shoplifting and vehicle crime remain below UK averages, the dominance of violent crime suggests a combination of factors including socioeconomic conditions, policing strategies, and community dynamics. Medway's urban character, with its mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, likely amplifies opportunities for interpersonal crime, particularly in high-traffic zones and public venues.

February 2026 saw a 71.4% increase in theft from the person, rising from seven to twelve incidents. This sharp rise may reflect heightened vulnerability during winter nights or targeted opportunistic crimes in poorly lit areas. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 48.5% compared to January, potentially linked to seasonal changes in public behaviour or improved policing in high-risk locations. Violence and sexual offences remain the most significant category, with a 34% gap above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also stands out, with a 54% premium over the national rate, suggesting local challenges in managing community disorder. Shoplifting and vehicle crime both fall below UK averages, with shoplifting at 0.5 per 1,000 compared to the UK's 0.6 per 1,000. This could indicate effective retail security measures or a lower concentration of commercial areas in Medway compared to other regions. The data also shows a 10.6% increase in 'other crime', which may encompass a range of less-defined offences requiring further analysis to identify trends.

Medway's crime rate in February 2026 (7.6 per 1,000) represents a 4.0% decrease from the previous month's 7.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight but measurable decline in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 79 crimes per day in February, a figure that contextualises the local burden of crime within a 28-day period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 132 residents, underscoring the frequency of incidents relative to the population of 292,655. This monthly exposure rate is a critical metric for residents, as it illustrates the scale of crime in relation to the community size. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the month-on-month decline suggests potential effectiveness in crime reduction strategies or natural seasonal fluctuations. The comparison to the UK average also highlights areas where Medway's crime profile diverges, such as the significantly higher rates of anti-social behaviour and violence compared to the national benchmark. These disparities may reflect local socioeconomic factors, policing priorities, or demographic characteristics that require targeted interventions.