York Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

York's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a distinct balance of violent and non-violent offences, with 34.5% of all crimes falling under violence and sexual offences. This proportion is higher than the UK average for the category, which stands at 2.3 per 1,000 compared to York's 2.3 per 1,000 (1% below the UK average). Anti-social behaviour, at 25.2% of total crimes, emerges as the second most prevalent category, with a rate of 1.7 per 1,000 — 87% above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. This disparity may reflect the city's historical and tourist-heavy environment, where high foot traffic and seasonal factors contribute to incidents of noise disturbances, vandalism, and public disorder. Shoplifting, the third most common crime at 12.1% of total crimes, also exceeds the UK average by 38%, potentially linked to the retail presence along York's medieval streets and tourist shopping areas. Seasonal context suggests February's crime mix could be influenced by the winter lull in outdoor activity and the pre-spring transition, though the dominance of violent crimes and anti-social behaviour indicates ongoing challenges in managing public order. The overall crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 — 4.7% above the UK average — highlights York's need for targeted strategies addressing both property and violent crime, particularly in areas with high concentrations of transient populations or commercial activity.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (+52.6%), bicycle theft (+50.0%), and robbery (+50.0%), with the latter two likely tied to seasonal factors such as reduced visibility and increased indoor activity. These trends contrast with decreases in burglary (-33.3%) and drugs-related crimes (-21.2%), which may reflect improved security measures or reduced outdoor opportunities during colder months. Anti-social behaviour remains significantly above the UK average, with its rate of 1.7 per 1,000 (87% above) underscoring the need for community engagement initiatives in areas with high transient populations, such as York's historic quarters and university districts. Bicycle theft's 50% increase to 24 incidents — 150% above the UK average — could be linked to winter conditions affecting storage and visibility, though no direct causal link is confirmed. Meanwhile, burglary's 30 incidents (0.1 per 1,000) — 60% below the UK average — may benefit from targeted policing or improved home security in residential areas. Residents concerned about property crime might find the 1.9% rate of vehicle crime (26 incidents) — 71% below the UK average — reassuring, though the rise in bicycle theft warrants attention.

York's crime rate in February 2026 rose 8.6% from the previous month's 6.1 per 1,000, translating to an average of 50 crimes reported daily — a figure that, while local to York, provides context for residents assessing risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 150 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when considered alongside York's population of 209,301, highlights the city's relatively low per capita impact compared to its overall rate. This discrepancy may stem from York's compact urban layout, which allows for more efficient policing and community engagement. However, the 4.7% increase above the UK average underscores the need for comparative analysis, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, where York's rates exceed national benchmarks. The previous month's rate of 6.1 per 1,000 suggests a seasonal fluctuation, with February's figures possibly influenced by the post-Christmas lull and the pre-spring transition. While daily crime counts offer immediate context, the monthly exposure figure provides a broader perspective, showing that York's crime profile, though slightly elevated nationally, remains manageable within its demographic and geographic framework.