Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) recorded a crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 48.4% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a continued trend of lower-than-average crime levels, a pattern consistent with the area’s character as a relatively small, low-density built-up area within a rural district. The most common crimes reported were burglary (26.3% of all incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (21.1%) and shoplifting (15.8%). The low crime rate may be influenced by the area’s geographical and demographic profile, with limited commercial activity outside of local amenities and a population that is likely more spread out than in larger urban centres. February, as a winter month, typically sees reduced outdoor activity and fewer visitors, which may contribute to the overall lull in crime. However, the higher-than-UK-average burglary rate highlights a specific vulnerability, linked to targeted properties or seasonal factors such as holiday-related absences. The relatively low levels of violent crime, particularly violence and sexual offences, which are 70% below the UK average, may indicate effective community policing or a lower prevalence of high-risk environments such as late-night entertainment venues. The seasonal context of February—a time of year when many residents are indoors and local businesses operate at reduced capacity—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns. While the overall crime rate remains low, the significant variation in specific crime types underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where burglary and shoplifting are more prevalent.

February 2026 marked notable reductions in several crime categories, including a 66.7% drop in vehicle crime and a 50% decrease in anti-social behaviour compared to January. These declines may reflect the seasonal lull typical of early winter, when fewer people are outdoors and local businesses operate at lower capacity. Conversely, shoplifting and drug-related incidents both saw 100% increases from the previous month, rising from zero to three and one reported cases respectively. This spike in shoplifting could be linked to the approach of major retail periods, such as Valentine’s Day or early Easter preparations, which may drive opportunistic theft. Burglary rates also surged to five incidents, a 100% increase from January, though this remains significantly higher than the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. Residents should remain cautious, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or retail presence, where shoplifting and burglary are more likely to occur.

Southwell's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, a 13.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.8 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical winter patterns, where reduced outdoor activity and colder weather may contribute to lower overall crime levels. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day over the 28-day period, reflecting a low but consistent level of criminal activity. When scaled to the local population, this equates to one crime occurring for roughly every 306 residents over the course of the month. Compared to the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, Southwell remains significantly safer, with its crime rate nearly half that of the national figure. However, the monthly exposure metric highlights that residents are not immune to crime, as the 1-in-306 statistic underscores the need for continued vigilance and community engagement in crime prevention efforts.