Northampton Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Northampton's built-up area within West Northamptonshire recorded a crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2024, placing it 22.5% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the area, which balances urban density with suburban sprawl. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (37.9% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.4%) and criminal damage and arson (8.3%). These patterns align with Northampton's character as a major urban centre with a mix of retail, educational, and residential zones. The winter month context may have influenced activity levels, with reduced outdoor engagement potentially affecting property crime rates. However, the significant share of violent crime suggests ongoing pressures in public spaces, particularly around nightlife areas and transport hubs. Shoplifting remained 7% below the UK average, reflecting effective retail security measures or lower footfall during the pre-spring lull. Seasonal factors, such as shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, may have contributed to higher indoor disputes and anti-social behaviour.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in drug-related crimes, which rose by 14.9% (94 to 108). This increase, though modest in absolute terms, marks a stark deviation from the overall downward trend in other categories. Burglary fell by 29.5% (139 to 98), a decline that may reflect improved security measures or seasonal changes in property occupancy. Theft from the person also dropped by 27.3% (11 to 8), though this remains well below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. The crime mix shows a clear dominance of violent crime (37.9% of total), with rates for violence and sexual offences 32% above the UK average. This disparity is significant given Northampton's infrastructure, which includes multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities that might contribute to higher rates of assault or harassment. Conversely, shoplifting (5.5% of total crimes) remained 7% below the UK average, due to the area's retail presence and targeted policing efforts. Residents may find the 100% below UK average for theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) particularly noteworthy, indicating lower exposure to street-level crime compared to national trends.

February's crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 represents a 5.7% decrease from January's 9.2 per 1,000, suggesting a slight moderation in overall activity. However, the rate remains elevated compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, Northampton experienced approximately 74 crimes per day in February, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the persistent nature of crime in the region. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, Northampton's 247,724 residents faced a higher risk of encountering violent crime compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences occurring at 3.3 per 1,000. This contrasts sharply with the 0.0 per 1,000 rate for theft from the person, underscoring the uneven distribution of crime types. The 33% above UK average for burglary (0.4 per 1,000) may be influenced by the area's housing stock and seasonal variations in occupancy. The comparison with the previous month also reveals that while some categories like burglary declined, others such as drug-related crimes increased, illustrating the combination of local and national factors affecting crime patterns.