Hoo St Werburgh Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Hoo St Werburgh during February 2026, accounting for 44.4% of all reported crimes. This category, which recorded 20 incidents, remains 18% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 residents, highlighting a localised effectiveness in addressing violent crime. The overall crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 34.4% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, underscoring its distinct safety profile. The breakdown of crimes reveals a mix of property and violent offences, with anti-social behaviour (28.9% of total crimes) and criminal damage and arson (6.7%) also contributing to the picture. Seasonal factors appear to play a role in the area's crime dynamics, as February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may contribute to the overall decline in crime compared to the previous month. However, the persistence of violence and sexual offences suggests that targeted interventions remain necessary. The area's relatively low population density, combined with its built-up character within Medway, may influence the distribution of crime types. For instance, the higher proportion of anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average could be linked to local social dynamics, while the lower rates of vehicle crime may reflect reduced traffic volumes during the winter. These patterns illustrate the combination of geographic, demographic, and seasonal factors in shaping the area's crime profile. The data also highlights the importance of maintaining community engagement initiatives, as evidenced by the reduction in other theft cases, which may be attributed to successful policing efforts. As the area moves into the spring months, continued monitoring of these trends will be essential to ensure that the current safety improvements are sustained.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Hoo St Werburgh. Drug-related offences surged by 100% from zero to three incidents, a marked increase that contrasts with the UK average for this category. Vehicle crime also doubled from zero to two cases, a change that may reflect seasonal factors such as reduced road traffic during winter. Anti-social behaviour fell by 23.5% to 13 incidents, a decline that aligns with the area's generally lower crime profile compared to the UK. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category (44.4% of total crimes), declined by 16.7% from the previous month's 24 cases. This category remains 18% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, suggesting a localised effectiveness in addressing violent crime. Other theft, at 4.4% of total crimes, dropped by 33.3% from three to two incidents, a reduction that may indicate successful community policing efforts in this category. These changes illustrate the dynamic nature of crime trends and the need for ongoing analysis of local patterns.

The crime rate in Hoo St Werburgh for February 2026 was 4.2 per 1,000 residents, an 11.9% decrease from the previous month's 4.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of built-up areas during winter, when reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor gatherings may influence crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that provides a concrete measure of risk for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 241 residents, reflecting a low likelihood of direct exposure for individuals. However, this statistic must be contextualised within the area's unique characteristics, such as its population of 10,836 and the distribution of crime types. While the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, specific categories like anti-social behaviour and drug-related offences show divergent trends compared to national benchmarks. These insights highlight the importance of considering both local and national data when assessing the area's safety profile.