Kettering Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Kettering's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a stark outlier in violence and sexual offences, which occurred at a rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents—16% above the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. This category alone accounted for 35.4% of all reported crimes, making it the most prevalent type in the built-up area. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 1.6 per 1,000 incidents, 76% above the UK average, and shoplifting at 0.7 per 1,000, 21% above the national figure. These rates highlight a departure from the UK trend, where violence and sexual offences typically make up around 16% of the national crime mix. Kettering's higher proportion of violent crime may be linked to its urban character, where concentrated populations and limited public space can amplify tensions. The winter month context, with low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have contributed to increased indoor interactions, influencing patterns of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000—21.9% above the UK average—suggests systemic factors at play, such as local demographics or policing strategies. While the seasonal lull in outdoor activity may have reduced some crimes, the persistent elevation in violent and anti-social incidents indicates deeper challenges that require targeted interventions.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, with incidents rising 180% from 15 to 42, the largest jump in the month. Vehicle crime also spiked by 94.1%, growing from 17 to 33, suggesting potential links to post-holiday vehicle activity or seasonal changes in parking patterns. Robbery rates rose by 50%, from 8 to 12, a concerning trend for residents. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 50%, from 2 to 1, and public order offences fell by 42.9%, from 42 to 24. These shifts highlight a complex mix of factors, with shoplifting's surge possibly tied to retail activity during the pre-spring lull. The 21.9% gap between Kettering's crime rate and the UK average remains stark, particularly in violence and sexual offences, which are 16% above the national figure. For residents, the 18 daily reported crimes offer a tangible benchmark for local crime exposure.

Kettering's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, a 2.8% decrease from the previous month's 8.0 per 1,000. This slight decline contrasts with the area's overall position above the UK average. Daily crime figures show 18 incidents reported each day in February, translating to a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 129 residents. While this rate is lower than the previous month, it remains significantly higher than the UK average. The population context highlights that Kettering's 63,882 residents face a crime environment where incidents are more frequent than the national average, though the month-on-month dip suggests some short-term moderation. This daily and monthly perspective helps residents contextualise the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives, though the overall trend remains a concern for local authorities.