Shrewsbury Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Shrewsbury's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, matching the UK average. This figure, while stable overall, reveals a complex picture of local crime dynamics influenced by seasonal factors and community characteristics. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (43% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (15%) and criminal damage and arson (10.5%). These patterns align with the area's status as a historic market town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist spaces, which may contribute to higher rates of public order and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal context suggests that February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could have influenced crime trends, with some categories showing slight declines in line with typical winter patterns. However, the overall rate remains consistent with national benchmarks, indicating that Shrewsbury's crime profile is broadly in line with the UK. The town's violent crime rate is 21% above the UK average, linked to its proximity to major transport routes and the presence of a large retail sector that may attract transient populations. This data underscores the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to address specific vulnerabilities while maintaining alignment with broader national efforts.

February saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Theft from the person increased by 500%, rising from one to six incidents, a jump that may reflect heightened vulnerability in public spaces during winter months. Conversely, robbery fell by 60% compared to January, with incidents dropping from five to two, suggesting possible improvements in local security measures or changes in criminal activity patterns. Shoplifting also rose sharply, increasing by 79.3% to 52 incidents, which may indicate seasonal shopping trends or shifts in retail crime dynamics. Shrewsbury's violent crime rate (2.8 per 1,000) is 21% above the UK average, while vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) is 71% below the national figure. This contrast highlights the area's unique crime profile, where public order and anti-social behaviour rates are also above UK averages, but property-related crimes remain relatively low compared to other regions.

Shrewsbury's crime rate rose by 10.3% compared to January 2026, moving from 5.8 to 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, suggests a slight upward trend in local crime statistics. On a daily basis, 19 crimes were reported each day in February, reflecting a consistent level of activity that aligns with seasonal patterns typical for this time of year. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 156 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure to crime for local households. While this rate is in line with the UK average, the distribution of crime types shows distinct local characteristics. The population context is crucial: with 81,707 residents, the absolute number of crimes (523) provides a tangible measure of the scale of criminal activity relative to the area's size. This comparison underscores the need for targeted local strategies to address specific crime trends without overgeneralising national statistics.