Belfast vs Down — Crime Comparison 2026

Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.

Belfast

BT1 · Belfast

1,293

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Anti-social behaviour396
  • Violence & sexual offences388
  • Shoplifting116

Down

BT24 · Down

1

crimes in February 2026

Below national average

  • Criminal damage & arson1

Down has less crime — 1 vs 1,293 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Belfast recorded substantially more crime than Down in February 2026 — 1,293 incidents compared to 1, a 1293.0x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Belfast sees higher rates of Anti-social behaviour (396) and Violence & sexual offences (388), while Down has more Criminal damage & arson (1). Belfast sits above the national average for recorded crime while Down is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Belfast or Down safer?

Based on February 2026 Police data, Down recorded fewer crimes than Belfast — 1 vs 1,293 incidents. That is 100% fewer crimes. Down is also below the national average for crime.

What are the main differences in crime between Belfast and Down?

The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Belfast saw higher rates of Anti-social behaviour and Violence & sexual offences while Down had more Criminal damage & arson. Overall, Down recorded fewer total crimes (1 vs 1,293).

Compare other areas

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