Scunthorpe Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Scunthorpe’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 10.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure 57.8% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This places the built-up area within North Lincolnshire firmly in the upper echelon of crime rates across the country. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.1% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (11.8%) and criminal damage and arson (8.8%). These patterns align with the area’s industrial and urban character, where high concentrations of retail and commercial activity may contribute to shoplifting, while socioeconomic factors could underpin the elevated rates of violent crime. Seasonal context also plays a role: February, as a winter month with low outdoor activity, may see a shift in crime types, with indoor violence and property crimes dominating over outdoor theft or drug-related offences. However, the data also reveals some resilience, as the overall rate declined by 13.5% compared to January, suggesting that targeted interventions or natural seasonal fluctuations may be influencing trends. The area’s violent crime rate—4.0 per 1,000—remains 72% above the UK average, a stark contrast that may reflect local challenges such as unemployment, social fragmentation, or limited access to community support services. While the drop in robbery and bicycle theft indicates some positive movement, the persistent gap between Scunthorpe and national crime rates highlights the need for sustained efforts to address underlying issues. The high incidence of anti-social behaviour—though 23% below the UK average—suggests that while some aspects of the crime picture are improving, others remain entrenched. As the month transitions into spring, the potential for increased outdoor activity may shift crime patterns again, but the data from February underscores the combination of local conditions and national trends.

February 2026 brought mixed trends in Scunthorpe’s crime profile. Robbery rates fell sharply by 78.3%, from 23 to 5 incidents, a drop that may reflect improved policing or changes in criminal activity during the winter lull. Conversely, possession of weapons rose by 22.2%, with 11 incidents reported compared to 9 in January, a concerning increase that could signal shifting patterns in violent crime. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with 97 cases recorded—107% above the UK average—and criminal damage and arson also climbed by 18%, reaching 72 cases. Bicycle theft dropped by 55.6%, from 9 to 4, linked to reduced outdoor activity in colder weather. The area’s violent crime rate—4.0 per 1,000—remains high, 72% above the UK average, suggesting that local factors such as economic hardship or social dynamics may be driving these trends. Residents may find the sharp decline in robbery particularly relevant, as it indicates a potential reduction in high-impact crimes.

February 2026 saw a 13.5% decrease in Scunthorpe’s overall crime rate, dropping from 11.6 to 10.1 per 1,000 residents. This marks a continued downward trend from the previous month. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 29 crimes per day in February, a figure that highlights the persistent presence of criminal activity even as the rate declines. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 99 residents, a ratio that underscores the frequency of incidents within a compact built-up area. While the drop from November’s rate suggests some stabilization, the absolute numbers remain elevated compared to national benchmarks. This contrast may reflect local factors such as Scunthorpe’s industrial character, which could contribute to higher rates of property and violent crime compared to more affluent or rural regions. The decline, however, indicates that efforts to reduce crime may be having an effect, even if the area still lags behind the UK average.