Gainsborough Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Gainsborough, 13.8 crimes were recorded in February 2026 — a rate 115.6% higher than the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the everyday risk residents face, with violence and sexual offences dominating the crime picture. These incidents accounted for 43.1% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.4%) and shoplifting (11.8%). The seasonal context of February, a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may partly explain the prominence of indoor-related crimes such as anti-social behaviour and violence. While the UK average crime rate reflects a broader trend of reduced outdoor activity during colder months, Gainsborough’s figures suggest a localised concentration of incidents in social spaces. The high proportion of violent crimes — 159% above the UK average — indicates a possible link to factors such as community tensions or the impact of seasonal isolation on social dynamics. Shoplifting, though lower in absolute terms than violence, remains 176% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the influence of local retail hubs or unsecured premises. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both the immediate risks and the underlying social conditions contributing to the area’s elevated crime rate.

February 2026 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories, with public order offences increasing by 71.4% (7 to 12) and vehicle crime rising by 66.7% (6 to 10). These increases may reflect shifts in local activity patterns, such as the timing of public events or changes in traffic flow during the winter months. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75.0% (4 to 1), a decline that could indicate the effectiveness of recent policing efforts or a reduction in illicit activity. The most striking disparity remains the violent crime rate, which is 159% above the UK average and accounts for nearly half of all reported incidents. This suggests a particular vulnerability in the area’s social fabric, with violence and sexual offences affecting residents. The decrease in burglary (50.0%) and drugs-related offences (66.7%) offers some contrast, though these categories remain below the UK average for drugs (57% below) and burglary (20% below). For residents, the most immediate concern is the high frequency of public order offences, which could impact the safety of public spaces and community cohesion. These figures provide a snapshot of the area’s crime profile, highlighting both persistent challenges and areas where progress has been made.

Gainsborough’s crime rate in February 2026 rose to 13.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 10.9% increase from the previous month’s rate of 12.5 per 1,000. This upward trend, while modest in percentage terms, translates to tangible risks for residents: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 72 residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 11 crimes per day — a figure that, while not extreme, is higher than many comparable towns. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the monthly exposure of 1-in-72 residents to crime underscores the need for sustained community engagement and policing strategies. The contrast with the UK average, which stands at 6.4 per 1,000, is particularly stark, suggesting that Gainsborough’s crime environment is significantly more intense than the national norm. This disparity may be influenced by local factors such as the built-up area’s density, the presence of retail and social hubs, or socioeconomic conditions that contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and violence. While the previous month’s rate was lower, the current figures highlight the importance of addressing seasonal fluctuations and ensuring that community resources remain aligned with the area’s specific needs.