Stoke Gifford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a mixed picture for Stoke Gifford’s crime profile, with overall rates remaining 15.6% below the UK average at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure, while encouraging, masks a combination of rising and falling crime types. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 34.8% of all incidents, a share that, while not exceeding the UK average, remains a pressing concern for local authorities. Shoplifting emerged as a standout issue, with local rates 55% above the national average, a trend consistent with the area’s retail infrastructure and the seasonal lull in consumer activity. The winter month’s low outdoor engagement likely contributed to reduced property crime, though the sharp rise in possession of weapons—doubling from zero to one incident—introduces a new layer of risk. Anti-social behaviour, at 13.0% of total crimes, remained 23% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect successful community interventions or the area’s suburban character, which often correlates with lower levels of such incidents. The seasonal context of February, with its pre-spring lull, appears to have dampened some crime types, yet the persistence of violent offences and the spike in weapon-related incidents suggest that targeted policing and public awareness campaigns may be necessary to address emerging trends. The data also highlights a shift in crime mix, with property-related offences (shoplifting, burglary) and violent crimes both present, though the former showed more pronounced deviations from national averages. This balance, coupled with the area’s demographic and geographic profile, necessitates a nuanced approach to crime prevention, focusing on both immediate risks and long-term strategies to maintain the current downward trajectory.

February saw a stark increase in possession of weapons, doubling from zero to one incident—a 100% rise. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local criminal activity. Concurrently, 'other crime' surged by 100%, with four incidents reported, a category that includes a range of unspecified offences. These increases contrast with notable declines: vehicle crime fell by 73.3% (from 15 to 4), likely influenced by reduced winter vehicle usage or improved security measures. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates in Stoke Gifford were 55% above the UK average, with 19 incidents recorded, a figure that outpaces the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000. This anomaly may be linked to the area’s retail presence, as high streets and shopping centres often see spikes in such crimes during off-peak seasons. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained 23% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or environmental factors. Residents should be particularly aware of shoplifting risks, given the local rate’s significant deviation from the national norm.

Stoke Gifford’s crime rate in February 2026 fell by 14.2% compared to January, dropping from 6.3 to 5.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in certain crime types. However, the monthly exposure figure remains relevant: over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 184 residents, highlighting the need for continued vigilance. Daily crime counts averaged four incidents per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. Population context further clarifies the scale: with 21,181 residents, the local rate of 5.4 per 1,000 places Stoke Gifford well below the UK average, yet the mix of crime types reveals specific vulnerabilities. The drop in vehicle crime by 73.3% and drugs offences by 66.7% suggests targeted efforts or seasonal factors may be at play, though these decreases should not overshadow the sharp rise in other categories. This contrast between falling and rising trends illustrates the complexity of local crime dynamics, requiring nuanced interpretation rather than simplistic conclusions.