Rotherham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a significant shift in Rotherham's crime profile, with robbery incidents surging by 50% compared to the previous month, the largest single-category increase recorded. The local authority's overall crime rate stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.7% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 36.2% of all crimes, saw a notable 16% month-on-month decline, though they remained 21% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed as the second and third most common categories, both exceeding UK rates by 21% and 38% respectively. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may partly explain the fluctuation in violent crime, as colder weather and reduced public spaces could influence reporting patterns. However, the sharp rise in robbery contrasts with this trend, suggesting localized factors such as increased demand for illicit goods or shifts in criminal networks during the pre-spring lull. Rotherham's crime picture reflects a combination of persistent issues in property crime and targeted spikes in specific categories, requiring targeted interventions that balance immediate response with long-term strategies.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 50% increase in robbery incidents, rising from 16 to 24 cases. This surge, occurring against a backdrop of a 16% decline in violence and sexual offences, highlights a shift in criminal activity patterns. Robbery now accounts for 1.1% of total crimes, a figure that, while modest, represents a significant absolute increase. Meanwhile, burglary rose by 13.3%, with 111 incidents reported, marking a 60% increase over the UK average. This aligns with Rotherham's broader property crime trend, where shoplifting (up 38% above UK rates) and vehicle crime (43% above UK rates) also remain elevated. Theft from the person fell 100% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the local spike in robbery. For residents, the most immediate concern appears to be the sharp rise in robbery, which may be linked to seasonal factors such as the pre-spring period or changes in economic activity. The 20.8% increase in 'other crime'—a category encompassing diverse offences—adds complexity to the picture, suggesting emerging patterns that warrant closer scrutiny.

Rotherham's crime rate in February 2026 fell by 5.8% compared to January's 8.1 per 1,000 residents, a decline that may reflect seasonal lulls in certain crime types. However, the local rate remains higher than the UK average, with 7.6 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the national figure of 6.4. On a daily basis, Rotherham experienced approximately 75 crimes per day in February, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 131 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while lower than the previous month's equivalent, underscores the persistent challenge of crime in the area. When scaled to the local population of 276,595, the 2113 total crimes represent a substantial burden, particularly for communities already grappling with elevated rates in property-related offences. The comparison with the UK average reveals that Rotherham's challenges are not isolated; however, the disparity highlights the need for tailored strategies that address the specific drivers of crime in this industrial and urban district. The 5.8% monthly decline, while welcome, does not mask the broader structural issues that continue to elevate Rotherham's crime rate relative to the rest of the UK.