Garstang Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Garstang’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 31.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This relatively low rate is supported by a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences (27.6% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (17.2%), and criminal damage and arson (17.2%). While these figures suggest a generally safer environment compared to national trends, the seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced the distribution of crimes. For instance, the high proportion of violent offences could be partly explained by indoor gatherings or the area’s built-up character, which may concentrate populations in smaller spaces. Conversely, the relatively low rates of vehicle crime (35% below UK average) and shoplifting (14% below UK average) align with the area’s limited retail presence and lower foot traffic compared to larger urban centres. However, the seasonal dip in outdoor activity may also have shifted crime patterns toward indoor spaces, exacerbating issues like anti-social behaviour. These dynamics highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of how local geography and seasonal rhythms interact with crime trends, even in areas with historically lower rates.

February 2026 marked a stark rise in specific crime types, with burglary surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), criminal damage and arson doubling to 5 cases, and public order offences increasing to 2. These spikes contrast with declines in other areas: shoplifting fell by 40% (from 5 to 3) and other theft dropped by 50% (from 2 to 1). The shift in crime mix reveals a growing emphasis on property-related offences, with burglary and criminal damage now accounting for 27.6% and 17.2% of all crimes respectively—both significantly above the UK average for these categories. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type (27.6% of total crimes), though they were 48% below the UK average. Residents should be particularly aware of the 200% increase in burglary, which may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced visibility during winter evenings or targeted activity in the area’s built-up zones.

Garstang's crime rate rose sharply in February 2026, climbing from 2.7 to 4.4 per 1,000 residents—a 60.9% increase over the previous month. This shift places the area in a more precarious position compared to its recent trend, with daily crime rates averaging one incident per day across 28 days. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 227 residents, a figure that, while low compared to national averages, underscores the need for vigilance. The population-scaled perspective reveals that each resident faces a 0.044% chance of experiencing a crime in February, a rate that remains significantly below the UK average of 0.064%. However, the upward trajectory in specific crime categories, such as burglary and criminal damage, suggests localized pressures that may require targeted interventions. The combination of seasonal factors—such as reduced outdoor activity—and the area’s built-up character likely contributes to this pattern, though further analysis would be needed to confirm direct links.