Harleston Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For Harleston residents in February 2026, the crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents translates to a daily risk of approximately one reported crime per day—a figure that, while low, underscores the concentrated nature of incidents in a built-up area within South Norfolk. This rate is 1.6% below the UK average, a marginal difference that may reflect the area’s character as a smaller, likely rural or semi-rural built-up zone where crime is more localized. The most prominent category, violence and sexual offences, accounted for 66.7% of all crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this type by 81%. This stark contrast raises questions about local factors, such as social dynamics or community-specific challenges, though can be established without further data. Seasonal context plays a role in these patterns, with February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull likely contributing to a reduction in property crimes and other outdoor-related offences. However, the surge in violent crimes suggests that other factors, such as demographic shifts or localized tensions, may be at play. Property crimes, though fewer in number, remained consistent with the area’s likely low retail density and minimal high-traffic zones. The breakdown also reveals that anti-social behaviour and criminal damage rates are below the UK average, reflecting a community with lower levels of conflict or more effective local policing strategies. These findings, while limited by the small number of incidents, offer a snapshot of Harleston’s crime profile in a month typically marked by subdued activity and a transition toward spring.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 100% increase in shoplifting and other theft, with these categories rising from zero to one incident each. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights a shift in criminal activity that may be linked to seasonal factors or specific retail patterns. Violence and sexual offences also surged by 100%, doubling from 11 to 22 incidents, a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents—81% above the UK average for this category. This stark deviation from national trends suggests localized pressures or vulnerabilities, though further analysis is needed to identify exact causes. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 80%, from five to one, and criminal damage and arson fell by two-thirds, possibly reflecting seasonal inactivity or community-focused efforts. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 50%.6 per 1,000 remains 34% below the UK average, indicating a relatively stable environment in this category.

Harleston’s crime rate for February 2026 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 5.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.6. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of February, a winter month typically marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in a built-up area. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 160 residents. This ratio offers a tangible sense of risk for local residents, illustrating that while Harleston is not a high-crime area, the impact of incidents is felt proportionally within its community. The drop in overall crime rate may also reflect temporary factors, such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas or changes in local events, though these remain speculative without further data.