Bilston Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a stark contrast in Bilston's crime profile, with violent crime surging to 169 incidents — 45.6% of total crimes — and shoplifting accounting for 13.8%. The area's overall crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents, 71.9% above the UK average, reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. Violence and sexual offences, at 5.0 per 1,000, were 116% above the UK norm, a figure that may be influenced by the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to Wolverhampton's urban core. Shoplifting, which rose sharply to 51 incidents, likely stems from the area's retail presence, though the winter months typically see reduced foot traffic. The seasonal context of February — a pre-spring lull with low outdoor activity — may have contributed to the focus on indoor spaces, exacerbating property crime. However, the data also reveals anomalies: anti-social behaviour, at 0.2 per 1,000, was 78% below the UK average, suggesting potential underreporting or effective local interventions. The interplay between high violent crime rates and relatively lower anti-social behaviour highlights the complexity of Bilston's crime picture, shaped by its role as a built-up area within a larger urban centre.

February 2026 saw a 200% increase in bicycle theft and theft from the person, with both crimes rising from one to three incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, signals a notable shift in local crime patterns. Violent crime remained high, with violence and sexual offences at 5.0 per 1,000 — 116% above the UK average. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 28.6% (from 49 to 35), a decline that may align with reduced outdoor activity during the winter months. The stark contrast between rising thefts and falling vehicle crime illustrates how seasonal factors can influence different crime categories. Residents might note that while shoplifting (159% above UK average) and criminal damage (139% above) dominate, anti-social behaviour remains 78% below the national average, suggesting varied local dynamics.

Bilston's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 11.0 per 1,000 residents, an 8.8% increase from 10.1 per 1,000 in January. This places the area significantly above the UK average, though the monthly rise may reflect seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, 13 crimes were reported over 28 days, a figure that translates to a local context of one crime occurring for roughly every 91 residents during the month. This monthly exposure highlights the persistent presence of crime in the area, even as certain categories, such as anti-social behaviour, remain below the UK average. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while Bilston's rate is high, it does not uniformly exceed UK norms across all crime types, with public order offences falling slightly below the national average. Residents may find this data useful for contextualising their local safety profile against broader trends.