Wandsworth Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Wandsworth's overall crime rate in February 2026 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 14.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This disparity highlights a distinct local profile, with anti-social behaviour emerging as a striking outlier—1.5 per 1,000 residents, 65% above the national average. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.9 per 1,000, remained the most prevalent category (25.6% of all crimes).9% month-on-month. The winter season's influence is evident in the crime mix, with reduced outdoor activity likely contributing to lower vehicle crime (0.6 per 1,000) and higher indoor-related incidents such as anti-social behaviour. The area's urban density and mix of residential and commercial zones may explain the elevated rates of property crimes, including burglary (0.4 per 1,000, 60% above UK average) and shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000, 3% above UK average). While the overall rate exceeds the national average, the concentration of specific categories—particularly anti-social behaviour—suggests targeted interventions may be needed. The seasonal context of February, with its low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, aligns with the observed patterns, though the persistence of high anti-social behaviour rates indicates underlying social or environmental factors requiring further analysis.

February 2026 saw a notable 20.5% increase in shoplifting incidents, the most significant monthly rise among all crime categories. This surge coincides with the pre-spring lull, a period when retail activity may shift as consumers prepare for seasonal sales. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 7.1%, reaching 499 incidents, a figure 65% above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect increased indoor gatherings during colder weather or pressures within the local community. Conversely, vehicle crime decreased by 13.8% (246 to 212), linked to reduced traffic congestion during winter. A sharp 38.5% increase in possession of weapons (13 to 18) raises concerns about public safety, though the small absolute numbers suggest this remains a niche issue. The decline in violence and sexual offences (-7.9%) contrasts with the overall rate increase, indicating a shift in the crime mix towards property-related and disorderly incidents.

Wandsworth's crime rate in February 2026 fell slightly to 7.3 per 1,000 residents, a 2.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.5 per 1,000. This modest decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, when outdoor activity is lower and public spaces see reduced foot traffic. Daily crime figures show 88 crimes reported each day in February, a rate consistent with previous winter months but slightly below the peak seen in December. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 138 residents, a figure that reflects the area's population density and urban character. This monthly exposure rate is comparable to other major London boroughs, though the distribution of crime types remains distinct. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the absolute number of crimes is manageable, the concentration of specific categories—such as anti-social behaviour—deserves closer attention from local authorities and residents alike.