Uttlesford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Uttlesford's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 4.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 37.5% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance contrasts sharply with national trends, where violence and sexual offences typically account for a larger share of reported crimes. In Uttlesford, these offences made up 33.5% of all crimes, significantly lower than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 (40% below). The local crime picture reflects a balanced distribution between property and violent crime, with property crimes (162) and violent crimes (128) each contributing roughly a third of the total. This suggests a relatively stable environment compared to more densely populated urban areas where violent crime often dominates. Seasonal context may partly explain the figures: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, typically sees a pre-spring lull in crime, particularly for outdoor-oriented offences like vehicle crime and shoplifting. However, the area's lower crime rate compared to the UK average may also reflect its character as a largely rural district with lower population density and fewer high-traffic commercial zones. The dominance of violence and sexual offences in the local crime mix could indicate specific challenges in community policing or social dynamics that warrant further exploration without overgeneralisation. The data underscores Uttlesford's position as a relatively safe area within the UK's broader crime profile, though targeted interventions may still be necessary to address the specific types of crime that do occur.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with some categories rising sharply while others declined. Other crime increased by 66.7% (6 → 10), and burglary rose by 50.0% (18 → 27), suggesting emerging challenges in specific areas of law enforcement. Conversely, robbery fell by 75.0% (4 → 1), marking a significant decrease that may reflect successful policing strategies or natural fluctuations. The mix of crime types also shifted, with property crimes (162) and violent crimes (128) remaining roughly equal, though the proportion of violent crime was lower than the UK average. Other theft (52) was 43% above the UK average (0.4 per 1,000), indicating a localised issue that may relate to specific vulnerabilities in retail or residential areas. In contrast, shoplifting (22) was 66% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), a discrepancy that could be attributed to Uttlesford's lower retail density or more effective preventative measures. These variations highlight the importance of localised analysis, as national averages may not fully capture regional differences. Residents might find the 100% reduction in theft from the person (3 → 4) particularly relevant, as it suggests improved safety in public spaces or successful community initiatives. However, the increase in burglary and other crime underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions.

Uttlesford's crime rate in February 2026 (4.0 per 1,000) represented a 15.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.7 per 1,000, indicating a downward trend over recent months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 14 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within Uttlesford's population of 95,106 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 249 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. This suggests that Uttlesford's residents face a lower risk of experiencing crime compared to the national average, though the absolute number of crimes (382) still reflects a significant volume. The population-scaled perspective is critical: while 14 crimes per day may seem substantial, the local context of a rural district with lower population density and fewer high-traffic commercial zones helps explain this figure. When compared to the UK average, Uttlesford's performance is striking, with its overall crime rate 37.5% below the national figure. This gap is particularly evident in categories like anti-social behaviour (56% below UK average) and shoplifting (66% below UK average), which may reflect the area's lower population density and fewer concentrated social interactions. However, the 43% increase in other theft compared to the UK average indicates that certain crime types remain areas for improvement. These comparisons highlight both the strengths and specific challenges of Uttlesford's crime profile relative to the broader UK context.