Waltham Forest Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Waltham Forest recorded 2238 crimes in February 2026, equating to a rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents—25% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure translates to approximately 0.8% of the area’s population of 279,737 being directly affected by crime during the month, a statistic that highlights the scale of incidents relative to the local community. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.2% of total), anti-social behaviour (20.1%), and vehicle crime (8.2%), each reflecting distinct aspects of the area’s social and environmental context. The winter season, with its reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have contributed to patterns observed, though the exact interplay of factors remains complex. Violence and sexual offences, while 9% below the UK average rate of 2.3 per 1,000, still represented a significant proportion of reported incidents, possibly linked to the area’s urban character and population density. Anti-social behaviour, however, stood out as a major concern, with a rate 76% above the UK average, suggesting challenges in managing public spaces and community interactions. Vehicle crime, which was 100% above the UK average, may be influenced by the area’s infrastructure and commuter traffic. These statistics collectively illustrate the multifaceted nature of crime in Waltham Forest, where both personal safety and community well-being remain focal points for local authorities.

February 2026 saw notable reductions in specific crime categories, with bicycle theft plummeting by 50% compared to the previous month, likely linked to colder weather deterring outdoor activities. Drug-related offences also fell by 28.9%, suggesting possible interventions or seasonal shifts in illicit activity. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained sharply elevated, 76% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the challenges of managing community tensions in densely populated areas. Theft from the person stood out as a stark outlier, with a rate 233% above the UK average, a statistic that would be of particular concern to residents and local businesses. The balance between property and violent crimes shifted slightly, with violent crimes accounting for 26.2% of the total, compared to 20.1% for anti-social behaviour. This mix highlights the complexity of addressing crime in an area where both personal safety and community cohesion are ongoing priorities.

Waltham Forest's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, a 5.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, when outdoor activity diminishes and community interactions shift indoors. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 80 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the persistent presence of crime across the local authority. When scaled to the population of 279,737, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 125 residents, underscoring the frequency of incidents within a relatively short timeframe. This statistic is particularly relevant for residents, as it contextualises the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. While the overall rate remains 25% above the UK average, the month-on-month reduction suggests a potential stabilisation in certain crime categories. The population context further highlights that even modest changes in crime rates can have meaningful local impacts, given the density of the area’s population.