Stafford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Stafford's built-up area recorded 554 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 6.2% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, highlighting a consistent pattern of slightly elevated crime levels compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.8% of all incidents (237 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (13.5%, 75 cases) and criminal damage and arson (9.4%, 52 cases). These rates are significantly higher than the UK averages for their respective categories—violence and sexual offences are 25% above the UK average, while criminal damage and arson are 30% above. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the persistence of violent crime, which often remains resilient to seasonal shifts. However, the high rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences suggest that local factors, such as the area's social fabric or the presence of high-traffic public spaces, could play a role. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (3.3%, 18 cases) and other theft (4.7%, 26 cases) compared to the UK average indicate that certain crime types may be less prevalent in Stafford, due to community policing efforts or the area's physical characteristics. The overall crime profile illustrates a combination of national trends and local dynamics, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour emerging as key areas for continued monitoring.

February 2026 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Public order offences surged by 45.7%, climbing from 35 to 51 incidents—a rise that outpaced the UK average by 46%. This increase may reflect heightened tensions during colder months or changes in community engagement. Conversely, possession of weapons dropped by 60%, falling from 10 to 4 cases, a stark contrast to the UK average which remains stable. Bicycle theft also rose sharply by 40%, jumping from 10 to 14 incidents, an anomaly given the UK average of 0.0 per 1,000. This could be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased indoor activity reducing opportunities for theft, or a shift in cycling patterns during winter. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes fell by 59.1%, from 22 to 9 cases, a decline that aligns with the UK average but raises questions about local interventions or shifting priorities among offenders. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in Stafford, where specific categories respond differently to seasonal and situational factors.

Stafford's crime rate in February 2026 dropped by 3.7% compared to the previous month's rate of 7.0 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but measurable decline. Daily crime statistics show 20 crimes reported per day on average—a figure that, while consistent with local patterns, underscores the persistent nature of crime in the area. When considering the population context, the monthly exposure of one crime for every 147 residents highlights the relative frequency of incidents within a community of 81,658 people. This ratio provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, though it does not account for variations in personal circumstances or geographic distribution within the built-up area. The decrease from the prior month aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—often sees a pre-spring lull in certain crime categories. However, the persistence of high violent crime rates suggests that local factors, such as social dynamics or unmet community needs, may continue to influence the area's crime profile.