Belfast vs Holywood — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Belfast

BT13 · Belfast

588

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences199
  • Anti-social behaviour157
  • Criminal damage & arson69

Holywood

BT18 · North Down

42

crimes in February 2026

Below national average

  • Violence & sexual offences15
  • Anti-social behaviour11
  • Criminal damage & arson8

Holywood has less crime — 42 vs 588 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Belfast recorded substantially more crime than Holywood in February 2026 — 588 incidents compared to 42, a 14.0x difference. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Belfast records significantly more (199 vs 15 incidents). Belfast sits above the national average for recorded crime while Holywood is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Belfast or Holywood safer?

Based on February 2026 Police data, Holywood recorded fewer crimes than Belfast — 42 vs 588 incidents. That is 93% fewer crimes. Holywood is also below the national average for crime.

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

Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their top crime category. In February 2026, Belfast recorded 199 incidents of this type vs 15 in Holywood. Overall, Holywood had fewer total crimes (42 vs 588).

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