Higham Ferrers Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Higham Ferrers' crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure 26.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance, while commendable, masks significant variations in crime types and trends. Shoplifting emerged as the most prevalent crime, accounting for 37.8% of all reported offences, with a sharp 112.5% increase from January. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—which may contribute to increased retail-related offences. The area's relatively low rate of violent crime, at 1.1 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, suggests effective community policing or demographic factors that mitigate conflict. However, the significant 210% gap between Higham Ferrers' shoplifting rate and the UK average raises questions about local retail dynamics. The area's crime profile appears to be shaped by its built-up character within North Northamptonshire, where commercial activity may drive property crimes while the absence of major nightlife or transport hubs reduces violent crime. These patterns are consistent with smaller towns where retail centres dominate the landscape, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causal links between specific locations and crime types.

February 2026 marked a stark increase in shoplifting, rising from eight to 17 incidents—an 112.5% surge—making it the most prevalent crime type at 37.8% of all reported offences. This spike, which is 210% above the UK average for shoplifting, likely reflects seasonal patterns and the area's retail presence. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson doubled from one to two incidents, a 100% increase, suggesting potential disruptions in public spaces or targeted vandalism. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 12.5%, from eight to nine incidents, indicating a need for heightened awareness in community areas. While violence and sexual offences fell by 60% compared to January, the rate in Higham Ferrers (1.1 per 1,000) remains 53% below the UK average (2.3 per 1,000), illustrating a consistent trend of lower violent crime. Residents should remain cautious, particularly in retail zones, where shoplifting has spiked significantly.

February 2026 saw a 19.6% decrease in Higham Ferrers' crime rate compared to January 2026, falling from 5.9 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of winter months, when outdoor activity typically wanes and community interactions shift indoors. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure to crime remains relatively low: over the course of February, one crime occurred for roughly every 212 residents. This statistic, while reassuring, highlights the importance of maintaining community engagement and local policing efforts to sustain this downward trend. The population of 9,533 residents means that the impact of each reported incident is magnified, requiring targeted awareness campaigns to ensure residents remain informed about potential risks.