Wantage Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Wantage’s crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 54.7% of all reported crimes. With 35 incidents recorded, this category far outpaced other types, including anti-social behaviour (9.4%) and criminal damage (9.4%). The area’s overall crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents placed it 25% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a consistent trend that reflects Wantage’s relatively low crime environment. Seasonal factors likely influenced these figures, as February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity—typically sees a pre-spring lull in crime. However, the dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with broader national patterns, where property-related offences often lead. This divergence may be attributed to Wantage’s character as a built-up area within a rural district, where community dynamics and local infrastructure could shape crime trends differently. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Wantage (2.6 per 1,000) remains 12% above the UK average for this category, suggesting a need for targeted interventions. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime both remained well below national levels, at 45% and 71% below respectively, indicating strengths in local policing or community engagement. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining current strategies while addressing the specific challenge of violent crime, which appears to be a growing concern in the area.

February 2026 saw a 34.6% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 26 to 35 incidents. This surge, which accounts for 54.7% of all crimes, contrasts sharply with the 88.9% drop in burglary, which fell from nine to one. The category of 'other crime' also saw a 100% increase, with two incidents reported compared to one in January. These shifts underscore a growing focus on violent crime over property crime, a trend that may reflect seasonal factors or changes in local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences in Wantage remain 12% above the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000, despite the area’s overall rate being 25% below the national average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime both remain significantly below UK levels, at 45% and 71% below respectively. For residents, the sharp decline in burglary may offer reassurance, though the rise in violence-related offences highlights areas for continued attention.

Wantage's February 2026 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 15.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull observed in winter months, when outdoor activity diminishes and community interactions shift indoors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime rate compared to national averages. When scaled to the population of 13,439 residents, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 210 residents. This statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for local residents, contextualising the rate in terms of personal likelihood rather than abstract numbers. The drop in burglary rates—down 88.9% from nine to one incident—suggests a possible reduction in targeted property crimes. These figures, while modest, highlight the area’s consistent performance in maintaining a crime profile significantly below the UK average.