Wath upon Dearne Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Wath upon Dearne, a built-up area within Rotherham, reported 157 crimes in February 2026, translating to a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents—31.2% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure, when contextualized for the area’s population of 18,705, means that roughly 0.84% of residents were directly involved in or affected by a crime during the month. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (38.2% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.8%) and vehicle crime (8.3%). These patterns are consistent with the area’s post-industrial character, where economic challenges and community dynamics may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict and disorder. The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the relative stability in certain crime categories, such as vehicle crime, which often declines during colder months. However, the persistent elevation in anti-social behaviour and violence suggests deeper, year-round issues tied to the area’s socioeconomic profile. The UK comparison highlights a stark divergence: while Wath upon Dearne’s rate is significantly higher than the national average, its specific crime mix—particularly the dominance of violence and anti-social behaviour—differs from broader trends. This divergence may reflect localized factors, such as the presence of high-density housing, limited recreational spaces, or gaps in community support networks. The data also reveals a paradox: shoplifting, which often spikes in retail-heavy areas, was 48% below the UK average. This anomaly could be attributed to the area’s limited commercial activity or successful local policing strategies targeting retail crime. Overall, the crime picture in February 2026 illustrates a community grappling with persistent challenges in public safety, where seasonal fluctuations coexist with long-standing structural issues.

February 2026 saw a dramatic surge in 'other crime,' with a 500% increase from one to six reported incidents, signaling a sharp but isolated uptick in unclassified offenses. This spike, though not directly linked to known patterns, may reflect underreported issues or evolving criminal activity. Concurrently, drug-related crimes rose by 200%, from one to three cases, a jump that could be tied to seasonal factors or localized pressures. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 38.1%, dropping from 21 to 13, a decline influenced by reduced outdoor activity during winter months. Violence and sexual offences also decreased by 23.1%, from 78 to 60, a shift that may align with the pre-spring lull in social interactions. Anti-social behaviour, however, rose by 29.2%, reflecting persistent challenges in community engagement. Shoplifting remained 48% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be attributed to the area’s retail profile or effective local policing. These shifts illustrate a combination of seasonal, economic, and social factors shaping the area’s crime profile.

In February 2026, Wath upon Dearne saw a 10.4% decrease in its crime rate compared to January, dropping from 9.4 to 8.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, contrasts with the area’s persistent elevation above the UK average. Locally, the monthly total of 157 crimes translates to approximately six crimes reported each day, a figure that reflects the area’s ongoing challenges with public safety. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 119 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the density of incidents in a community of 18,705 people. This statistic, while not directly comparable to national figures, offers residents a tangible sense of how frequently crime intersects with daily life. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the rate is high for a built-up area within Rotherham, where historical industrial decline and socioeconomic factors may contribute to sustained vulnerability. The decrease from January, however, suggests that targeted interventions or seasonal shifts—such as the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity—may have temporarily alleviated some pressures.