Stoke-on-Trent Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Stoke-on-Trent's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 10.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 70.3% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark divergence highlights a local profile markedly distinct from national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 37.2% of all recorded crimes, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, each contributing 17.9% and 7.8% respectively, both far exceeding UK norms. The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may contribute to this pattern, though the elevated levels of violence suggest other factors at play. The area’s history as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and suburban characteristics likely influences crime dynamics, where concentrated populations in certain districts may heighten interpersonal tensions. While property crimes remain a concern, the dominance of violent offences over property crimes in this month contrasts with some other UK regions, where property crime often takes precedence. This shift could reflect a combination of socioeconomic pressures and the impact of winter on community interactions. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly those with entrenched social challenges.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 114.3% increase in theft from the person, with incidents rising from 7 to 15. This surge, though small in absolute terms, signals a sharp uptick in personal crime, possibly linked to the close proximity of residents in indoor spaces during colder weather. Burglary also rose by 24.8%, climbing from 117 to 146, a trend that may be influenced by the same seasonal dynamics—more people indoors could lead to increased opportunities for opportunistic break-ins. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 27.8%, from 18 to 13, a decline consistent with reduced outdoor activity and fewer cyclists on the roads during winter. Violence and sexual offences, at 4.1 per 1,000, remain 77% above the UK average, a persistent challenge for local authorities. The stark contrast between Stoke-on-Trent’s anti-social behaviour rate (2.0 per 1,000) and the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000 illustrates a localised issue that demands focused attention. For residents, the most immediate concern may be the sudden rise in theft from the person, which could be mitigated through community awareness campaigns and improved lighting in high-traffic areas.

Stoke-on-Trent’s crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to the previous month, with a 1.1% increase from 10.8 to 10.9 per 1,000 residents. This minimal fluctuation suggests a relatively consistent crime environment, though the overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 106 crimes per day in February, a figure that, while locally contextual, highlights the persistent nature of crime in the district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 91 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of criminal activity in a community of 270,425 people. When compared to the UK average, Stoke-on-Trent’s crime profile reveals a marked divergence: for every 1,000 residents, the area experiences nearly double the rate of violent crime and more than twice the rate of anti-social behaviour. This disparity may reflect the area’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics, including its industrial heritage and dense urban centres. For residents, the data reinforces the importance of local policing initiatives and community engagement to address the specific challenges faced by Stoke-on-Trent.