Norwich Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Norwich's crime rate climb to 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 46.9% above the UK average of 6.4. This marked deviation from national trends highlights the city's unique challenges, particularly in violent crime and property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 37.6% of all reported incidents—51% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.2% of crimes and 54% above the national benchmark. Shoplifting, at 14.8% of total crimes, was an eye-opening 141% above the UK average, suggesting a possible link to the city's retail presence and tourist traffic. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—might have influenced some patterns, though the persistence of high violent crime rates suggests deeper, year-round factors. The city's position as a major urban centre with a mix of historic and modern infrastructure likely plays a role in these dynamics. While the overall rate remained stable compared to January, the distribution of crime types reveals a complex picture, with property crimes and violent offences affecting Norwich. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly in retail districts and public spaces where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are concentrated.

Bicycle theft in February 2026 surged by 62.5%, jumping from 16 to 26 incidents, a figure that is 400% above the UK average. This dramatic rise may be linked to increased cycling during colder months or unsecured bike storage in the city's historic centre. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 42%, reaching 98 cases, a significant increase from 69 in January. This category, which includes disturbances and anti-social behaviour, is 71% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour itself climbed by 22.1%, with 210 reported incidents—54% above the national benchmark. In contrast, possession of weapons fell by 36.8%, from 19 to 12 cases, and theft from the person dropped by 33.3%, from 15 to 10. These decreases could reflect targeted policing efforts in high-risk areas or a natural seasonal decline in opportunistic crimes during colder weather. The city's violent crime rate, at 3.5 per 1,000, remains 51% above the UK average, indicating a persistent challenge in reducing assault and sexual offences.

Norwich's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to January, with a 1.7% increase from 9.2 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This small shift suggests consistent levels of criminal activity. above the UK average. On a daily basis, 49 crimes were reported each day in February, reflecting the area's ongoing challenges with crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 106 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of 147,182. While the rate is stable month-on-month, the distribution of crime types reveals notable shifts, particularly in property-related offences and violent crime. These patterns may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, though the persistence of high violent crime rates suggests deeper, year-round dynamics at play.