Fordingbridge Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Fordingbridge’s February 2026 crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents placed it 18.7% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the area’s distinct position within national crime trends. The breakdown of crimes revealed a clear dominance of violent and sexual offences, accounting for 40% of the total, followed by vehicle crime at 17.5% and anti-social behaviour at 10%. These figures reflect a mix of challenges, with violent crime and vehicle-related incidents standing out as key concerns. The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the concentration of crimes in indoor or vehicle-related spaces. However, the sharp rise in violent crime and vehicle crime suggests that local factors, such as changes in community dynamics or environmental conditions, could be playing a role. The area’s status as a built-up part of the New Forest, a region known for its natural landscapes and rural character, may create unique pressures, such as increased traffic in residential areas or a lack of immediate law enforcement presence in certain zones. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, at 12% below, indicates that some aspects of community management may be effective, though this remains to be seen as patterns evolve. Overall, the data illustrates an area experiencing a concentrated spike in specific crime types, necessitating targeted responses to address the most pressing concerns.

February 2026 saw the most dramatic month-on-month change in vehicle crime, which jumped 600% from one incident to seven, marking a stark departure from previous trends. This surge, combined with a 166.7% increase in violence and sexual offences—rising from six to sixteen cases—suggests a significant shift in the crime profile. The rise in vehicle crime may be linked to local factors such as increased traffic in residential areas or changes in parking patterns, though no direct causal link is established. Meanwhile, violent crime’s sharp increase contrasts with the 50% drop in burglary, which fell from two to one incident. Vehicle crime in Fordingbridge is 271% above the UK average, a disparity that highlights local vulnerabilities. Residents may find the 100% increase in possession of weapons, from zero to one incident, particularly concerning, as it signals a potential escalation in more serious criminal activity.

Fordingbridge's crime rate in February 2026 rose sharply to 7.6 per 1,000 residents, a 90.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.0 per 1,000. This surge places the area 18.7% above the UK average, a gap that has widened significantly over the past month. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day in February, a figure that, while low in absolute terms, reflects a rapid acceleration in reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the concentrated nature of the recent spike. This figure is particularly noteworthy given the area’s relatively small population of 5,249, where even a modest increase in crime can have a visible impact on local communities. The shift in crime patterns may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during winter, though the magnitude of the rise suggests additional local dynamics at play.