Wellingborough Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Wellingborough recorded a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 31.2% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. The crime profile reveals a stark imbalance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 38.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.4% and shoplifting at 7.2%. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically hold a larger share. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may contribute to this pattern, as indoor gatherings and reduced visibility in darker evenings could heighten opportunities for violent incidents. However, this does not fully explain the pronounced gap between Wellingborough’s violent crime rate (3.2 per 1,000) and the UK average (2.3 per 1,000), which is 38% higher. The area’s character as a built-up town within North Northamptonshire, likely with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, may amplify tensions in shared public areas. The relatively low share of property crimes (29.7%) compared to the UK average (typically around 40-45%) suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may be influencing this dynamic. Further analysis of crime distribution across specific zones, such as town centres or transport hubs, could shed light on why violent crime remains high.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with anti-social behaviour rising by 15% (80 to 92 incidents) and burglary increasing by 25% (12 to 15). These figures highlight a growing concern in public spaces, potentially linked to the post-Christmas period or seasonal fluctuations in community activity. Conversely, other crime categories experienced significant declines, including a 66.7% drop in 'other crime' (15 to 5) and a 43.2% reduction in drug-related incidents (37 to 21). This decrease may reflect temporary disruptions in illicit networks or heightened enforcement during the month. The property crime share (29.7%) remained below the violent crime share (38.5%), a divergence that contrasts with national trends where property crimes often dominate. Violent crime in Wellingborough is 38% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 3.2 per 1,000 (UK: 2.3 per 1,000). This gap suggests local factors—such as socio-economic pressures or specific environmental conditions—may be amplifying violent incidents. Residents might find the 50% increase in bicycle theft (2 to 3) particularly concerning, though this remains a minor category overall.

Wellingborough’s crime rate in February 2026 fell by 10.4% compared to January’s 9.4 per 1,000, reflecting a modest downward trend. However, this rate still significantly exceeds the UK average, underscoring persistent local challenges. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 17 crimes per day in February—a figure that, while lower than the previous month, remains a tangible presence for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 119 residents, a ratio that highlights the frequency of incidents within the community. This monthly exposure rate is comparable to other mid-sized towns but contrasts with areas where crime is more concentrated in specific high-risk zones. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Wellingborough’s violent crime rate (3.2 per 1,000) is 38% above the UK average, suggesting that local dynamics—such as the built-up nature of the area or the density of social interactions—may be driving this disparity. While the decline from January offers some optimism, the continued above-average violent crime rate indicates that targeted interventions may be necessary to address underlying issues.