Ludlow Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ludlow's crime rate in February 2026 reached 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 56.2% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marks a significant departure from typical seasonal patterns, as winter months in this built-up area of Shropshire often see lower outdoor activity and a lull in public events. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (36 incidents, 33.6% of total), anti-social behaviour (28 incidents, 26.2%), and criminal damage and arson (24 incidents, 22.4%). These figures contrast sharply with the UK averages for these categories, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage rates in Ludlow exceeding national levels by over 180% and 370% respectively. The dominance of violent crime suggests a shift in local dynamics, potentially linked to increased tensions in residential or commercial zones. While shoplifting and public order offences saw modest declines, the overall trajectory indicates a worsening trend in property and personal safety threats. This spike occurs during a period typically associated with reduced social interactions, raising questions about the underlying factors driving these increases. The area's character as a historic market town with a mix of tourism and local commerce may contribute to these patterns, though further analysis is needed to confirm direct connections.

February 2026 saw alarming increases in several crime categories, with criminal damage and arson rising by 166.7% (from 9 to 24 incidents) — a figure that dwarfs the UK average for this category by 378%. Burglary and robbery both doubled compared to January, with 4 and 2 incidents respectively. These sharp increases may reflect heightened tensions during the winter period. Anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 26.2% of all crimes, remains 186% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in community management. Shoplifting decreased by 16.7% (from 6 to 5 incidents), a modest but welcome trend that could indicate improved retail security measures. The contrast between rising property crimes and falling public order offences (down 50%) highlights a complex shift in criminal activity patterns. Residents should be particularly vigilant regarding anti-social behaviour and vandalism, as these categories are far above national benchmarks and may indicate a broader issue with community safety. The 36 violent crimes recorded — 47% above the UK average for this category — underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic or social gatherings.

Ludlow's crime rate in February 2026 (10.0 per 1,000) represents a 64.8% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 6.1 per 1,000. This surge translates to 4 crimes reported per day on average — a local figure that underscores the rapid escalation in criminal activity. Over the course of the month, 1 in 100 residents experienced a reported crime, a statistic that may feel more pronounced in Ludlow's compact built-up area compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the population of 10,736, the 107 total crimes equate to a density of 10 incidents per 1,000 people, far exceeding the UK average. This disparity is most evident in violent crime, where Ludlow's rate of 3.4 per 1,000 is 47% above the national figure. The previous month's data offers a stark contrast: with a rate of 6.1 per 1,000, the 64.8% increase suggests a sudden shift in local conditions. While daily crime counts provide a granular view, the monthly exposure metric offers context for residents — highlighting that each resident had a 1% chance of being directly affected by crime in February. This figure, though seemingly small, may feel more significant in Ludlow's close-knit community, where incidents are likely to be more visible and impactful. The comparison to the UK average also reveals systemic challenges, as Ludlow's crime profile deviates significantly from national trends in key categories.