Pontefract Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Pontefract’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 9.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 45.3% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 45.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.8%) and shoplifting (7.2%). This pattern aligns with the area’s built-up character, where dense populations and commercial activity may contribute to higher rates of violent and property crime. Seasonal factors also play a role: February’s winter conditions, with limited outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may have influenced the types of crimes reported. However, the persistence of violent crime—particularly at 81% above the UK average—suggests deeper, more structural issues. The high rate of anti-social behaviour could be linked to the area’s proximity to larger urban centres, where transient populations and social challenges may intersect. Meanwhile, shoplifting remains elevated, consistent with retail areas experiencing increased foot traffic even in off-peak months. These trends, while shaped by seasonal rhythms, also reflect the challenges of managing crime in a built-up area with a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in robbery cases, rising from one to three incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with a 35.3% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from 17 to 11. The shift in crime mix is stark: violent crimes accounted for 45.8% of all incidents, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 (81% above). Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also remained elevated, with the latter 21% above the national average. Residents may find the vehicle crime decline noteworthy, as it suggests a potential seasonal effect linked to reduced outdoor activity during winter. However, the surge in robbery—despite February’s typically low outdoor activity—raises questions about localized factors, such as increased alcohol-related incidents or targeted opportunities in high-footfall areas. These swings underscore the complexity of crime patterns in built-up areas, where transient populations and commercial activity may influence trends.

Pontefract’s crime rate in February 2026 rose 3.7% from 8.9 to 9.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend. Daily crime activity averaged 11 incidents per day, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity despite seasonal lulls. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 108 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents within a local context. This monthly exposure figure, while not directly comparable to national data, provides a tangible sense of risk for residents. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even with a relatively small population of 33,067, the area experiences a higher-than-average rate of violent crime, which may be influenced by local factors such as the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to larger urban centres. These figures, while modest in daily terms, underscore the need for ongoing community vigilance and engagement with local policing efforts.