Peterborough Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Peterborough's crime rate reach 9.1 per 1,000 residents — 42.2% above the UK average of 6.4. This marked a stark contrast to the seasonal expectation of reduced activity during winter, with public order offences rising sharply by 23.5% and vehicle crime increasing by 23.1%. The city's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (38.6% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.3%) and shoplifting (8.6%). These figures suggest a combination of urban dynamics and seasonal rhythms, with the violence rate (3.5 per 1,000) sitting 51% above the UK average. While February is typically a low-activity month, the persistence of high violent crime may reflect ongoing challenges in central areas with dense populations and commercial hubs. The seasonal context of a pre-spring lull could have been offset by factors such as post-holiday congestion or increased incidents in nightlife zones. Shoplifting rates remained elevated despite the cold weather, due to the presence of retail centres and high streets. The data highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where violent crime and anti-social behaviour intersect, while also acknowledging the broader urban pressures contributing to the overall rate.

February 2026 revealed unexpected shifts in Peterborough's crime profile, with public order offences surging by 23.5% to 126 incidents — the largest single-month increase in this category since at least 2023. This rise, coupled with a 23.1% jump in vehicle crime to 112 cases, contrasted sharply with the typical winter lull. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person both declined: robbery fell by 36.4% to 14 incidents, and theft from the person dropped 26.3% to 14 cases. The violence and sexual offences category (781 crimes) remained 51% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (290 crimes) and criminal damage (157 crimes) also exceeded national benchmarks by 43% and 52% respectively. Residents might find the 72 crimes reported daily (based on February's total) a useful metric for contextualising local safety. The sharp divergence between rising public order offences and falling theft-related crimes suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns, possibly influenced by temporary factors such as event-related crowds or changes in policing focus. Bicycle theft, at 14 cases (150% above the UK average), remained an outlier, likely tied to the city's cycling infrastructure and seasonal variations in bike usage.

Peterborough's crime rate in February 2026 (9.1 per 1,000) marked an 11.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.3 per 1,000 — a decline that may reflect improved policing strategies or temporary seasonal factors. However, this reduction did not bring the rate closer to the UK average; it remains 42.2% above the national figure. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 72 crimes per day, a figure that, while locally contextual, underscores the need for ongoing community engagement. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 111 residents — a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the previous month's equivalent, still highlights the persistent nature of crime in the area. With a population of 223,655, this means over 2,000 residents experienced at least one crime during the month. The comparison to the UK average reveals structural differences in Peterborough's crime profile, particularly in violent crime and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate has decreased from last month, the city's position relative to national benchmarks suggests that long-term efforts to address systemic issues — such as those in high-density residential areas or commercial districts — remain critical.