West Northamptonshire Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of West Northamptonshire, the crime rate in February 2026 translates to a 1-in-152 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. The local authority recorded a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 3.1% above the UK average of 6.4. This slight elevation, though modest, reflects patterns in the distribution of crime types. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.5% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (22.3%) and vehicle crime (7.3%). These figures suggest a landscape where interpersonal conflicts and public disorder are prominent concerns, particularly in areas with higher population density or social activity. Seasonal factors may partly explain these trends: as a winter month with low outdoor activity, February typically sees a pre-spring lull in outdoor crimes, but the persistence of high anti-social behaviour could indicate underlying social or economic pressures. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates in the area were 31% below the UK average, a discrepancy that might be linked to local retail strategies or policing efforts in high-street zones. The overall rate, while slightly above the national benchmark, remains within a range that is not uncommon for mid-sized urban districts with diverse demographics.

February 2026 saw a 47.2% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 144 to 212 incidents. This jump, though significant, contrasts with declines in other categories: robbery fell by 34.3% (from 67 to 44), drugs-related crime dropped 30.3% (from 109 to 76), and theft from the person decreased by 28.6% (from 14 to 10). These shifts suggest a possible reallocation of criminal activity, with vehicle crime possibly linked to increased car usage during colder months or targeted thefts in parking areas. The area's anti-social behaviour rate stood at 1.5 per 1,000, 65% above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000, a disparity that may reflect local challenges in managing public spaces or enforcing noise regulations. Conversely, shoplifting in West Northamptonshire was 31% below the UK average, indicating effective retail security measures or a lower incidence of opportunistic theft. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 65% spike in anti-social behaviour, which could impact community cohesion and safety in shared spaces. The drop in robbery rates, however, offers a positive note, suggesting that targeted interventions or increased police presence may have had an effect.

West Northamptonshire's crime rate in February 2026 fell to 6.6 per 1,000 residents, an 8.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity in winter, though the area remains slightly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the local authority experienced approximately 104 crimes per day in February, a figure that, while routine, underscores the continuous nature of crime in a populated district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 152 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for individuals assessing their personal risk. When compared to the previous month, the reduction in crime rate may reflect the impact of targeted policing efforts or the natural ebb of criminal activity as the year progresses. However, the persistent elevation in anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime compared to the UK average highlights areas where local strategies may need refinement. The 6.6 rate, though modest, serves as a reminder that even small fluctuations can have meaningful implications for community safety and resource allocation.