Swindon Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Swindon’s crime rate for February 2026 was 6.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 6.2% above the UK average of 6.4. The data reveals a stark outlier in the form of bicycle theft, which was 150% above the UK average. This anomaly may be linked to Swindon’s well-developed cycling infrastructure and the presence of a large commuter population reliant on bicycles for daily travel. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 39.1% of all crimes, a figure that is 12% higher than the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 18.6%, with a 43% increase compared to the UK average, potentially reflecting the impact of winter months on community interactions. The seasonal context of February—a low point for outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may contribute to the persistence of indoor-related crimes such as anti-social behaviour and violence. However, the overall crime rate is not uniformly distributed, with property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime showing lower rates than the UK average. This suggests a combination of factors, including local demographics and environmental influences, that shape Swindon’s crime profile. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where rates are elevated, while also recognising the areas where Swindon performs better than the national average.

February 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Robbery rates surged by 225%, rising from 4 to 13 incidents, a stark increase that may reflect heightened vulnerability in certain areas. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose by 17.4%, potentially linked to seasonal factors or unaddressed community tensions. Other theft also increased by 17%, indicating a shift in criminal activity patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 35.2%, due to reduced outdoor activity during the winter months. Drug-related incidents dropped by 29.3%, a decrease that could be tied to temporary enforcement efforts or seasonal trends. Bicycle theft, at 0.1 per 1,000, was 150% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by Swindon’s cycling infrastructure and population demographics. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of crime in the area, with some categories showing marked improvement while others require closer attention.

Swindon's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 6.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 3.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.0. This decline suggests a slight easing in crime activity. above the UK average. On a daily basis, Swindon recorded approximately 45 crimes each day in February, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 148 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the distribution of incidents across the population. When compared to the UK average, Swindon’s rate highlights the area’s unique challenges, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour and violence. The population of 187,986 further contextualises these figures, showing that while the rate is higher than the national average, the absolute number of crimes is spread across a relatively large community. This comparison underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where crime rates are elevated.