Oakham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Possession of weapons — a category at 0.2 per 1,000 in Oakham, 186% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000 — stands out as the most striking anomaly in February 2026’s crime data. This figure, which rose 200% from one incident in January to three in February, contrasts sharply with the overall crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000, a figure 43.8% below the UK average of 6.4. The area’s crime profile reflects a seasonal lull typical of winter months, with low outdoor activity and pre-spring quietness likely contributing to the relatively low overall rate. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime mix, accounting for 37.7% of total incidents (20 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.1%) and criminal damage (11.3%). These figures align with Oakham’s character as a built-up area within Rutland, where community-focused policing and low population density may temper violent crime. While shoplifting and other thefts saw sharp declines — shoplifting fell 66.7% to four incidents — the surge in weapons possession raises questions about local enforcement patterns or unreported incidents. The winter season’s impact is evident in the limited outdoor crime, though the persistence of anti-social behaviour suggests ongoing challenges in managing public spaces during colder months.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in possession of weapons, rising from one incident to three. This spike, though still below the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, highlights a significant local trend. Concurrently, shoplifting plummeted 66.7% to four incidents, down from 12 in January, indicating potential success from retail security measures or seasonal factors. The crime mix shifted markedly, with violent offences (37.7%) outpacing property crimes (29.9%), a reversal from previous months. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue at 15.1% of total crimes, though this rate is 34% below the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. For residents, the 48% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 offers a tangible safety benefit, suggesting local initiatives may be effective. However, the weapons possession surge raises concerns, as Oakham’s rate is 186% above the national average — a disparity that warrants scrutiny without definitive causal links. The month also saw public order offences double to four incidents, though this remains 27% below the UK average, hinting at targeted interventions in this category.

Oakham’s crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 in February 2026 marked a 7.2% decrease from January’s 3.9 per 1,000, reflecting a continuing downward trend. This monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 277 residents over the course of the month, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low crime environment compared to national benchmarks. Daily crime statistics show an average of two incidents per day — a figure that, while modest, includes the notable surge in weapons possession. Contextualising this within Rutland’s demographics, Oakham’s population of 14,664 and its position as a built-up area within a largely rural county likely contribute to its distinct crime profile. The 43.8% gap between Oakham’s rate and the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the area’s inherent characteristics, such as strong community ties or limited opportunities for property crime. However, the weapons possession anomaly remains a point of divergence, as this category’s local rate is 186% above the UK average — a disparity that may reflect underreporting, local enforcement challenges, or other unmeasured factors. These comparisons illustrate how Oakham’s crime picture, while generally positive, contains pockets of complexity that require nuanced understanding.