South Gloucestershire Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

South Gloucestershire's crime rate in February 2026 reached 6.5 per 1,000 residents, 1.6% above the UK average of 6.4. This slight elevation reflects a shift in crime patterns, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 42.9% of all reported incidents—21% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also feature prominently, though the latter remains closely aligned with national trends. The winter season, typically associated with reduced outdoor activity, appears to have had a muted effect on overall crime levels, though the data suggests a pre-spring lull may not be fully materialising. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, may partly explain the UK-wide disparity, as urban areas with higher population densities often see elevated rates of such incidents. Public order offences, which rose sharply in February, could be linked to the transition from winter to spring, when increased social gatherings and events might occur. The local crime profile contrasts with some categories showing significant underperformance relative to the UK average, such as vehicle crime and drug-related offences, which may reflect the area's lower population density and reduced urban density compared to major cities. These patterns suggest a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas where public order and violent crime rates are above national benchmarks.

February 2026 saw a 25.7% increase in public order offences compared to January, with 181 incidents reported—46% above the UK average for this category. This surge may be linked to the end of winter holidays and the onset of more frequent social events. Theft from the person, though still low at 3 incidents, rose by 200% month-on-month, indicating a sharp but isolated spike. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 20.9%, reaching 243 incidents, which is 12% below the UK average but remains a significant concern for local communities. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 25.8% to 66 incidents, and drug-related offences decreased by 22.4%, both well below UK averages. These reductions may reflect seasonal factors, with colder months typically seeing fewer vehicle-related crimes due to reduced outdoor activity. However, the sharp rise in public order offences warrants attention, as these incidents often occur in public spaces and can impact community safety. Residents are advised to remain cautious in areas experiencing these increases, particularly during late evenings and weekends when such incidents are more likely.

South Gloucestershire's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to January, with a 1.1% increase from 6.4 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This marginal shift underscores the area's generally consistent crime trends, though the slight elevation above the UK average highlights specific local challenges. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 71 crimes per day in February, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 154 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, illustrating that while crime is present, it remains relatively low compared to more densely populated regions. The population-scaled perspective further clarifies that the area's crime rate, while slightly above the UK average, is not high when considering its demographic makeup and geographic spread. The UK average of 6.4 per 1,000 includes areas with significantly higher crime rates, meaning South Gloucestershire's position is moderate within the national context. The comparison also reveals that certain categories, like vehicle crime and drug offences, are substantially below UK averages, reflecting the area's lower urban density and potentially more rural characteristics. These figures should be interpreted alongside local factors, such as the presence of major transport hubs or retail centres, which may influence crime patterns differently than in more densely populated regions.