Westward Ho! Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Westward Ho!’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marked deviation from national trends is most evident in the dominance of violent crimes, which accounted for 57.9% of all incidents—far exceeding the UK’s proportion of violent offences (2.3 per 1,000, 9% below the national average). The area’s crime profile contrasts sharply with the UK’s broader pattern, where property crimes typically constitute a larger share of total incidents. This anomaly may be linked to the built-up area’s characteristics, such as a mix of residential and tourist activity, which can influence the types of crimes reported. Seasonal factors also play a role: February, a winter month with limited outdoor activity, may have contributed to lower overall crime levels, though the high proportion of violent offences suggests other dynamics at play. The data also reveals a shift in crime types compared to previous months, with violent offences decreasing slightly while property-related crimes like burglary saw a sharp increase. This interplay between seasonal lulls and specific incident types underscores the complexity of local crime trends. The area’s relatively low crime rate, combined with its unique distribution of offences, highlights the need for tailored insights that consider both geographic and demographic factors.

February 2026 saw notable fluctuations in crime types, with burglary, public order offences, and vehicle crime each increasing by 100% compared to January, marking a sharp upward trend in these categories. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, other theft by 50%, and violent offences by 15.4%, the latter of which remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 57.9% of all crimes. This stark dominance of violent crimes—2.1 per 1,000 residents, 9% below the UK average—contrasts with the UK’s broader mix, where property crimes often outweigh violent ones. The rise in vehicle crime, which reached 0.2 per 1,000 (43% below the UK average), may reflect seasonal patterns, such as increased car usage during winter or changes in local traffic dynamics. These shifts highlight the need for targeted community engagement, though further data would be required to establish definitive links.

Westward Ho!’s crime rate in February 2026 (3.6 per 1,000 residents) marked a 13.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.1 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up coastal area. When scaled to the population of 5,321 residents, this translates to one reported crime for every 280 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that may reassure residents about local safety. The monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which, while not directly comparable here, highlights the area’s distinct crime profile. This pattern aligns with the seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull that may contribute to lower crime levels. The shift from property crimes to a higher proportion of violent offences compared to the previous month suggests a change in the nature of incidents, though further analysis would be needed to confirm any underlying factors.