Leatherhead Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Leatherhead’s crime rate in February 2026 reached 8.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 32.8% increase above the UK average of 6.4. This elevated rate is driven by a mix of violent and property-related offences, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 35.9% of all reported crimes—far exceeding their UK counterparts. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, may have contributed to the concentration of certain crimes within confined spaces, such as public order incidents and shoplifting. However, the area’s crime profile also reveals a stark imbalance: while anti-social behaviour fell 23% below the UK average, the rate of possession of weapons surged 186% higher than the national figure. This divergence suggests that local factors, such as the proximity to commuter routes or the influence of nearby urban centres, may be shaping Leatherhead’s crime dynamics. The dominance of violent crimes, which now outpace property crimes, contrasts with the UK’s broader trend, where property offences typically hold a larger share. This shift could reflect Leatherhead’s specific demographic makeup, with a higher proportion of residents in areas prone to interpersonal conflicts or the presence of transient populations. As the month progresses into early spring, the pre-spring lull may further influence crime patterns, but the current data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories like violence and weapon possession.

February 2026 saw significant increases in specific crime categories, with 'other crime' and 'possession of weapons' each doubling from their previous month totals. This sharp rise in less common categories may partly explain the overall rate’s resilience despite declines in property-related offences. Violent crimes, which now constitute 35.9% of total incidents, remain 34% above the UK average, a disparity that contrasts with the 23% reduction in anti-social behaviour. The drop in vehicle crime by 72.7%—from 11 to 3 incidents—suggests a potential shift in criminal focus, though this decrease should be viewed cautiously given the winter season’s typically low outdoor activity. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly regarding the 186% surge in weapon possession, which, while a small category, signals a concerning trend that warrants attention from local authorities.

Leatherhead's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 8.5 per 1,000 residents, an 8.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.3. This decline, while notable, contrasts with the broader trend of being 32.8% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 4 crimes per day over the 28-day period, highlighting the persistent presence of criminal activity despite the monthly dip. When scaled to the local population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 118 residents, a figure that underscores the need for vigilance in community engagement. The population context further illustrates that, while Leatherhead’s rate is elevated nationally, the absolute number of incidents remains manageable within the area’s demographic size. This monthly aggregate, however, does not account for fluctuations in crime distribution across different categories, which are explored in detail elsewhere.