Milton Keynes Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bicycle theft in Milton Keynes during February 2026 surged to 150% above the UK average, an anomaly that defies typical seasonal patterns. This figure, at 0.1 per 1,000 residents, starkly contrasts with the UK's recorded rate of 0.0 per 1,000, suggesting a unique local dynamic. The overall crime rate for the month stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing Milton Keynes 9.4% above the UK's national average of 6.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.3% of total crimes, with 887 incidents reported—25% above the UK average. Shoplifting, at 11.6% of total crimes, also exceeded the UK rate by 38%, reflecting persistent challenges in retail areas. The winter month of February typically sees reduced outdoor activity, yet the sharp rise in bicycle theft may indicate increased cycling during colder weather or targeted thefts in high-traffic zones. Anti-social behaviour, at 8.3% of total crimes, remained lower than the UK average by 34%, potentially linked to community engagement initiatives or effective policing in Milton Keynes. These patterns highlight the combination of local initiatives and broader crime trends, with the area's mixed urban-rural character likely influencing crime distribution.

February 2026 saw a 20.3% increase in burglary, rising from 64 to 77 incidents. This jump, while modest in absolute terms, contrasts with the 25% reduction in drug-related crimes, which fell from 84 to 50. The most pronounced shift was in bicycle theft, which surged to 150% above the UK average, despite February typically being a low-activity month. Anti-social behaviour rose by 6%, from 168 to 178, though this remained 34% below the UK average. The sharp decline in possession of weapons—down 58.3% to 10 incidents—suggests possible success in community safety programmes. Violence and sexual offences, however, remained high, with 887 incidents (2.9 per 1,000 residents) compared to the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. Residents may find the 20.3% burglary increase particularly concerning, as it highlights vulnerabilities in domestic security during colder months. Meanwhile, the 38% excess in shoplifting over UK rates underscores ongoing challenges in retail crime prevention, despite Milton Keynes' efforts to address this through targeted policing.

Milton Keynes' crime rate in February 2026 fell by 8.1% from the previous month's 7.6 per 1,000 to 7.0 per 1,000, indicating a short-term decline despite remaining above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 77 crimes per day—equivalent to one crime occurring for every 142 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure metric provides context for residents, showing that while the rate is lower than in January, it still exceeds the UK's overall figure. The population of 305,884 residents means that the 2,147 total crimes represent a relatively high frequency compared to smaller communities. Milton Keynes' violent crime rate (2.9 per 1,000) remains 25% above the UK average, suggesting that targeted interventions may be necessary to address this disparity. The 9.4% gap between the area's rate and the UK's average underscores the need for continued analysis of local factors, such as the influence of Milton Keynes' mixed urban-rural landscape on crime patterns. These comparisons highlight the importance of contextualising data within both local and national frameworks.