Milford and Witley Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 in Milford and Witley presented a mixed picture of crime trends, with the overall rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents placing the area 3.1% below the UK average. This figure, while relatively low, masks significant variations across crime types. Violence and sexual offences, at 9 incidents (26.5% of total), were the most prevalent category, but they fell by 25% compared to January. This decline may be linked to the winter lull in outdoor activity and the pre-spring transition, which typically sees reduced social gatherings. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained high, with 7 cases (20.6%)—43% above the UK average—suggesting persistent challenges in community management. Shoplifting, at 5 incidents (14.7%), was 55% above the national rate, likely tied to the area’s built-up character and proximity to retail spaces. The seasonal context of February—a month of low outdoor activity and minimal tourist presence—may have contributed to the shift in patterns, with property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting rising sharply. These dynamics illustrate the interplay between local geography and temporal factors, where the built-up nature of Milford and Witley interacts with seasonal rhythms to shape crime outcomes. While the overall rate remains stable, the spike in public order offences and shoplifting deserves closer attention, as they may indicate underlying pressures that require targeted interventions.

Public order offences surged by 300% in February, jumping from one to four incidents—a dramatic increase that outpaces other categories. This spike, combined with a 150% rise in shoplifting and a 100% increase in burglary, suggests a shift in local patterns during the winter months. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell by 25%, declining from 12 to 9 cases, a reduction that may reflect seasonal factors or temporary changes in social activity. Anti-social behaviour remains 43% above the UK average at 1.3 per 1,000, while shoplifting is 55% above the national rate. These disparities highlight areas where local conditions—such as proximity to retail hubs or community dynamics—may play a role. A resident would find the 17.3% monthly increase in the overall rate particularly relevant, as it underscores the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends.

February 2026 saw a 17.3% increase in the crime rate compared to January, rising from 5.3 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This shift reflects a localised uptick in specific offence categories despite the area remaining 3.1% below the UK average. On a daily basis, Milford and Witley experienced roughly one crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that aligns with the area’s built-up character and relatively low population density. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 162 residents, illustrating the scale of exposure in a community of 5,501 people. This monthly exposure rate is a useful benchmark for residents, highlighting the rarity of incidents in the context of daily life. The population-scaled perspective suggests that while crime is present, it remains proportionally low compared to larger urban centres, consistent with the area’s status as a smaller, more tightly knit built-up area.