Stafford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 141,556, 833 crimes in February 2026 equate to one reported crime for every 170 residents over the course of the month. This totals 5.9 crimes per 1,000 people, placing Stafford 7.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. The crime profile reflects a mix of urban and rural dynamics typical of a mid-sized local authority, with a pronounced emphasis on interpersonal offences. Violence and sexual offences dominated the landscape, contributing 369 incidents (44.3% of all crimes), significantly exceeding the UK average for this category by 12%. Anti-social behaviour followed with 114 reports (13.7%), while public order offences rose to 70 (8.4%), 22% above the UK average. This pattern aligns with the seasonality of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in tourism. The lower-than-average rates for property crimes—such as shoplifting (47 incidents, 48% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (34 incidents, 43% below)—suggest a combination of effective policing and environmental factors, though the exact contribution of these elements remains unclear. The data may partly explain the subdued property crime trends, as winter conditions likely deter outdoor theft and reduce foot traffic in retail areas.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft surging by 50% (from 10 to 15 incidents) and public order offences rising by 34.6% (from 52 to 70). These increases contrast with declines in possession of weapons (-50%) and drugs (-46.7%), reflecting possible seasonal or localised interventions. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common category, were 12% above the UK average (2.6 vs 2.3 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may relate to Stafford's social fabric or policing focus. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime were significantly below UK rates, with shoplifting at 48 incidents (48% below the national average of 0.6 per 1,000). Residents may find the 31.6% rise in burglary (from 19 to 25) particularly concerning, as this category typically correlates with colder months and increased home occupancy. The data also highlights a paradox: while anti-social behaviour fell 12% below the UK average, public order offences climbed above it, suggesting a shift in the nature of disruptive activity. This could indicate evolving challenges in community engagement or changes in reporting practices.

Crime rates in Stafford remained stable compared to January 2026, with the monthly rate holding steady at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 30 crimes reported each day, a figure that may resonate with local residents as it underscores the consistent presence of crime in daily life. Over the course of February, the monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 170 residents provides a tangible metric for understanding risk levels. This rate is lower than the UK average, though the disparity is nuanced: while property crimes are consistently below the national benchmark, violent offences exceed it. For context, a resident of Stafford would statistically encounter a crime every 170 days if the rate remained constant. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Stafford's crime profile is neither uniformly safer nor more dangerous than the UK average, but rather characterised by distinct patterns. This aligns with the area's mix of urban and rural elements, where violent crime may be more concentrated in specific neighbourhoods while property crime remains dispersed. The stability in the overall rate suggests that systemic factors—such as policing strategies or community initiatives—are maintaining a balance.