Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Westmorland and Furness in February 2026 reveals a striking emphasis on violent crimes, which accounted for 50.6% of all reported incidents. This dominance of violence and sexual offences—2.5 per 1,000 residents—places the area 8% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a unique pattern compared to the national mix of crime types, where property crimes often hold a larger share. The area’s rural character appears to influence this dynamic: anti-social behaviour incidents were 78% below the UK average, a divergence that may reflect lower population density and stronger community oversight. Meanwhile, property crimes such as shoplifting and burglary remained significantly below the UK average, with shoplifting incidents falling by 34.5% compared to the previous month. This contrast suggests that the region’s geographic and demographic features—such as limited urban density and seasonal activity patterns—play a role in shaping crime trends. The lower incidence of vehicle crime (71% below the UK average) and anti-social behaviour could further align with the area’s rural nature, where community networks and reduced anonymity may deter certain offences. However, the higher-than-average rate of violence and sexual offences raises questions about local factors, such as population distribution or social dynamics, that may contribute to this imbalance. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to the specific characteristics of the area, rather than applying generic approaches based on national statistics.

February 2026 saw a 350% surge in bicycle theft, rising from 2 to 9 incidents, a trend likely linked to increased winter cycling activity despite colder conditions. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 34.5% (from 87 to 57 incidents), possibly due to reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the pre-spring lull. The category of violence and sexual offences remained 8% above the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000, a figure that may reflect the area’s population distribution and local social dynamics. Anti-social behaviour incidents were 78% below the UK average, a divergence that could be attributed to the region’s rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced reports. Criminal damage and arson also decreased by 24.4% (from 123 to 93 incidents), a seasonal reduction that may be tied to the closure of outdoor spaces during colder months. These fluctuations highlight the influence of local geography and seasonal patterns on crime trends.

Westmorland and Furness’ crime rate in February 2026 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a 7.6% decline from the previous month’s rate of 5.4. This decrease aligns with seasonal trends typical of winter months, when reduced outdoor activity and colder weather may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 41 reported crimes, a figure that translates to one crime for every 202 residents over the course of the month. Given the local population of 230,185, this monthly exposure rate suggests a relatively low likelihood of encountering crime compared to the UK average. However, the distribution of crime types reveals a distinct pattern: violent crimes dominate the landscape, accounting for 50.6% of all incidents, a stark contrast to the UK’s broader mix of crime types. This imbalance may be influenced by the area’s demographic profile and geographic characteristics, such as its rural nature, which could shape local social dynamics and incident reporting patterns.