Somerset Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked an unexpected surge in burglary rates in Somerset, a local authority district with a population of 588,328. The overall crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents placed the area 14.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a figure that has remained relatively stable over recent months. This discrepancy is most pronounced in violent crime, where violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.7% of all recorded crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this category. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—might have contributed to a pre-spring lull in some crime types, though the sharp rise in burglary defies this pattern. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also showed marked increases, with the latter 71% above the UK average. This suggests a possible link to social factors such as the timing of holidays or local events. The dominance of violent crime over property crime, with the latter making up only 24.6% of total incidents, contrasts with some urban areas where property crime typically dominates. This balance may reflect Somerset's mix of rural and urban areas, where community dynamics and policing strategies could influence crime trends. The winter months often see fluctuations in crime, with colder weather driving indoor-related offences such as burglary and anti-social behaviour. However, the significant rise in burglary is an outlier that requires further investigation, as it does not align with typical seasonal patterns. The data highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas while maintaining vigilance across all crime categories.

February 2026 saw a sharp 24.3% increase in burglary, the largest month-on-month jump among all crime categories. This follows a 19.3% rise in vehicle crime and a 16.7% increase in anti-social behaviour, suggesting a shift in criminal activity patterns. Violent crime remains the dominant category, accounting for 41.7% of all crimes, and is 29% above the UK average. Public order offences, meanwhile, surged 71% above the UK average, a stark contrast to vehicle crime, which is 43% below national levels. The drop in robbery (-32.1%) and theft from the person (-28.6%) offers a partial counterbalance, though these decreases are concentrated in specific categories. For residents, the rise in burglary may prompt renewed focus on home security measures, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or seasonal vulnerabilities. The disparity between property and violent crime trends also underscores the complexity of local crime dynamics.

Somerset's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 7.3 per 1,000 residents, a 2.1% increase from the previous month's 7.2 per 1,000. This places the area 14.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a gap that has widened slightly over recent months. On a daily basis, Somerset recorded an average of 153 crimes per day in February, reflecting a consistent pace of activity despite seasonal factors. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of exposure for local communities. While the rate remains below some urban counterparts, the population-scaled perspective highlights that residents face a higher-than-average risk of experiencing crime compared to the UK as a whole. This contrast is particularly evident in violent crime categories, where Somerset's rates are elevated. The increase in burglaries and anti-social behaviour may partly explain the upward trend, though the exact drivers remain to be explored through further analysis.