Leek Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Leek during February 2026 reveals a stark imbalance between violent and property crimes, with 51.5% of all incidents classified as violence and sexual offences. This proportion is higher than the UK average for the same category, which stands at 2.3 per 1,000 (UK avg: 2.3 per 1,000). The area’s crime profile suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts, likely influenced by the built-up nature of the town and its population density. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also feature prominently, contributing 19.6% of total crimes. This pattern may reflect the social dynamics of a small urban centre, where community interactions and local events could amplify such incidents. Seasonal context further shapes these trends: February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may contribute to increased indoor gatherings, exacerbating disputes and alcohol-related incidents. The overall crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 is 17.2% above the UK average, highlighting a need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories. Property crimes, while lower in proportion (23.2%), still account for 32 incidents, with shoplifting and vehicle crime showing mixed performance relative to UK averages. The absence of a significant rise in burglary or theft from the person suggests that local prevention efforts may be mitigating certain risks. However, the dominance of violent crime underscores a critical area for further analysis, particularly in understanding the factors driving such high rates in a relatively small built-up area.

February 2026 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences rising by 71.4% compared to January, marking a sharp increase from 7 to 12 incidents. This surge may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the end of winter holidays or the onset of colder weather, which could influence social interactions and public spaces. Vehicle crime also doubled, with three incidents reported in February compared to zero in the previous month, a change that could reflect increased car usage during the winter or changes in parking patterns. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 71.4%, dropping from seven to two incidents, due to heightened awareness or local initiatives targeting residential security. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with 71 incidents reported—68% above the UK average for this category. This disparity may indicate local stressors or challenges in addressing violent crime effectively. Anti-social behaviour, while still contributing to the crime mix, was 12% below the UK average, a contrast that could reflect community-specific factors or differences in reporting practices. The rise in 'other crime' by 100% (from zero to one incident) highlights the need for vigilance in emerging categories, though the limited data makes it difficult to discern broader trends. These shifts illustrate a dynamic crime profile, where some categories are worsening while others show improvement, requiring nuanced responses from local authorities.

Leek’s crime rate in February 2026 rose by 20.0% compared to January, increasing from 6.2 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend places the area’s monthly exposure at one reported crime for every 134 residents, a figure that translates to a relatively high frequency of incidents within a small population base. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five crimes per day, a rate that, while not extreme, underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety in a built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Leek’s violent crime rate remains significantly elevated, but property-related offences show more varied performance. For instance, vehicle crime is 43% below the UK average, potentially reflecting effective local measures such as improved street lighting or community engagement in preventing such incidents. The contrast between Leek’s crime mix and the national profile highlights the importance of local context in shaping crime patterns. While the UK average crime rate is 6.4 per 1,000, Leek’s higher rate suggests that unique factors—such as the town’s social structure or economic conditions—may be contributing to the disparity. Residents should be aware that the increase in public order offences and the dominance of violent crime could impact their sense of safety, even if other categories show improvement. This data reinforces the need for tailored strategies that address the specific challenges faced by Leek’s population.