Clacton-on-Sea Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Clacton-on-Sea's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a stark imbalance between property and violent crime, with the latter comprising nearly half of all incidents. The area's crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents places it 29.7% above the UK average, highlighting a need for targeted interventions. Violent and sexual offences (209 incidents) accounted for 47.2% of total crimes, far outpacing property crimes (155 incidents). This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 68% of the national total, though Clacton-on-Sea's rate is still significantly higher. The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the elevated levels of violent crime, as indoor gatherings and reduced daylight hours could contribute to increased tensions. However, direct links to specific factors, and local conditions such as Clacton-on-Sea's coastal location and transient populations may play a role. Property crimes, while lower in proportion, include notable spikes in vehicle-related offences and other thefts, which are 100% and 67% above the UK average respectively. These trends suggest a combination of local demographics and seasonal dynamics, requiring further analysis to identify patterns that could inform policing strategies. The low rate of bicycle theft (0.0 per 1,000) and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000) may reflect the area's relatively low tourist footfall compared to other coastal towns, though this remains speculative without additional data.

February 2026 saw marked shifts in crime patterns, with burglary increasing by 110% compared to January, rising from 10 to 21 incidents. This surge, coupled with an 80% rise in vehicle crime (20 to 36) and a 37% increase in other theft (27 to 37), underscores growing vulnerabilities in residential and automotive security. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by two-thirds (3 to 1) and bicycle theft halved (2 to 1), potentially reflecting seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and fewer visitors. The violent crime category remained high, with rates 68% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour fell 23% below the national benchmark. This divergence highlights the area's unique challenges: while violent crime dominates, property crime trends are mixed, with some categories exceeding UK averages and others lagging. For residents, the sharp rise in burglary is a pressing concern, particularly given the 60% increase in burglaries compared to the UK average. These figures suggest that local initiatives targeting property crime prevention may need urgent reconsideration, though direct causal links to specific interventions or external factors.

Clacton-on-Sea's crime rate in February 2026 dropped 8.0% from January's 9.0 per 1,000 to 8.3 per 1,000, marking a slight but notable improvement. This decrease aligns with the seasonal context of February, a month typically characterised by lower outdoor activity and reduced foot traffic, which may contribute to a temporary lull in certain crime types. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 16 crimes per day over the 28-day period, translating to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 120 residents. This figure provides a tangible measure of risk for local residents, though it does not account for variations in crime distribution across different parts of the built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Clacton-on-Sea's population of 53,342 faces a significantly higher risk of violent crime, which is 68% above the national rate. This disparity is particularly pronounced in violence and sexual offences, which account for nearly half of all crimes in the area. While the overall rate has declined slightly, the persistent elevation of violent crime relative to the UK average suggests that local conditions—such as Clacton-on-Sea's proximity to major transport routes and transient populations—may contribute to sustained challenges in this category. The comparison with the previous month highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, as even small fluctuations can indicate broader trends in community safety.