Hungerford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Hungerford's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 6.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 6.2% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, though modest in absolute terms for a small built-up area, underscores the town's distinct position within the national crime picture. The most prevalent crimes were anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, each accounting for 25% of total reported incidents. These categories, while significant, reveal a combination of local factors. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, is 87% above the UK average, a striking divergence that may reflect the town's character as a small, close-knit community where such incidents are more likely to be reported or occur with greater visibility. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may contribute to the concentration of crimes in indoor or residential spaces, where anti-social behaviour often manifests. Meanwhile, the relatively lower rate of violent crime, 27% below the UK average, aligns with Hungerford's likely profile as a market town with fewer high-density residential areas compared to larger urban centres. This contrast highlights the importance of localised analysis, as national averages can obscure regional variations. The absence of a significant rise in property crimes, which accounted for 45% of total incidents, suggests that the town's retail and commercial sectors may not be as heavily targeted as in other areas. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting and criminal damage—both 300% higher than previous months—indicates a potential shift in criminal focus, linked to seasonal factors such as the pre-spring lull or changes in local economic activity. These patterns, while not definitive, offer insights into the dynamics shaping Hungerford's crime profile in early 2026.

February 2026 witnessed a dramatic 400% month-on-month increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 2 to 10 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 300% rise in shoplifting and criminal damage, points to a notable shift in crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences, however, declined by 37.5%, a decrease from 16 to 10 incidents. The town's anti-social behaviour rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents is 87% above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000, a disparity that could reflect local social dynamics or unmet community needs. Conversely, violent crime in Hungerford is 27% below the UK average, suggesting a lower incidence of such offences compared to national trends. These variations highlight the importance of targeted local interventions. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting—a 300% increase—may prompt heightened vigilance in retail areas, particularly given the town's small size and potential for swift police response.

Hungerford's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 6.8 per 1,000 residents, a 59.8% increase from the previous month's 4.3 per 1,000. This marks a significant upward shift, though the area remains within the UK's broader crime profile. Daily, the town experiences approximately one reported crime per day, reflecting a relatively low but notable frequency for a small built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 146 residents, a figure that contextualises the exposure of local households to crime. With a population of 5,844, this suggests that while crime is present, the scale is manageable compared to larger urban centres. The contrast between Hungerford's specific crime profile and the UK average highlights local dynamics—such as the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour—which may be influenced by seasonal factors or local community patterns. This monthly exposure figure offers residents a tangible sense of risk, though the absolute numbers remain modest in scale.