Reigate and Banstead Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Reigate and Banstead maintained a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, 21.9% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance positions the area as one of the safer regions in the country, with a crime profile that reflects the characteristics of a suburban and rural district. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (11%) and shoplifting (8.8%). The dominance of violent crime may partly explain the area's slightly higher proportion of such offences compared to the UK average, where violent crime rates are typically lower. However, Reigate and Banstead's performance in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting demonstrates significant underperformance relative to national benchmarks, with rates 34% and 31% below the UK average respectively. This contrast suggests a combination of local demographics and broader regional trends. February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, likely contributed to the lower overall crime rate compared to busier periods. The seasonal context may also explain the relatively low incidence of vehicle crime and burglary, which are often linked to warmer weather and increased foot traffic. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences indicates that local factors—such as community dynamics or policing strategies—play a significant role in shaping the area's crime picture. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in violent crime while maintaining the positive trends observed in other categories.

February 2026 saw significant reductions in burglary (-56.5%) and drug-related offences (-32.1%) compared to January, marking one of the most notable drops in recent months. These declines may reflect the impact of seasonal patterns, with colder weather and reduced public gatherings potentially deterring certain types of crime. Conversely, shoplifting rose by 112.1%, jumping from 33 to 70 incidents, a stark increase that deserves closer attention. This surge may be linked to the proximity of retail hubs or changes in consumer behaviour during the pre-spring period. Bicycle theft also saw a 100% increase, from two to four incidents, tied to the start of the academic year and increased cycling activity. Despite these rises, Reigate and Banstead's rates for violence and sexual offences remain 18% below the UK average (2.3 per 1,000), suggesting that local initiatives or community engagement efforts may be effectively mitigating some forms of violent crime. The area's performance in anti-social behaviour (0.6 per 1,000, 34% below the UK average) and shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000, 31% below the UK average) further highlights a consistent pattern of underperformance in these categories relative to national standards. For residents, the sharp decline in burglary offers a tangible reassurance of improved safety in residential areas, although the rise in shoplifting underscores the need for enhanced retail security measures.

The crime rate in Reigate and Banstead for February 2026 fell to 5.0 per 1,000, a 7.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal lull observed in winter months, when outdoor activity and public events are at their lowest. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 28 crimes per day in February, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local safety in relation to daily life. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 199 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to areas with higher population densities. When scaled to the local population of 159,134, this rate underscores the area's overall safety profile, particularly when contrasted with the UK average. The reduction in burglary and drug-related offences highlights a positive trend that may be attributed to seasonal factors or community-focused policing efforts. However, the increase in shoplifting and bicycle theft indicates that certain crime types remain sensitive to local dynamics, such as retail footfall or changing travel patterns. For residents, these figures offer a nuanced view of safety, emphasizing that while the area remains comparatively secure, targeted awareness in specific categories—like retail crime—could further enhance local security measures.