Boston Crime Rate

The Boston local authority area presents a complex safety profile, reflecting its role as a major regional hub in Lincolnshire. With an overall crime rate of 111.7 per 1,000 residents, the district sits above the UK average of 93.1. This level of activity is represented by a safety score of 75/100, which is slightly below the national benchmark of 78. Recent data shows that crime in Boston is on an upward trajectory, with a 5.1% increase year-over-year. While these figures indicate a more active criminal environment than some of its more rural neighbours, the area remains a functional and busy district where the majority of incidents are concentrated in specific urban and commercial zones. Understanding these trends is essential for residents and businesses seeking to maintain a secure environment.

About Boston

Boston is a historic market town and port in Lincolnshire, known for its significant agricultural industry and as a central hub for the surrounding rural communities. The area is characterised by a mix of busy commercial centres, industrial zones related to food processing, and dense residential neighbourhoods. As a major transport and employment hub, Boston experiences a high volume of transient workers and visitors, which can influence local crime statistics. The town's vibrant nightlife and concentrated retail areas contribute to higher reports of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting compared to more rural parts of the district. Economically, the area faces challenges common to many post-industrial and agricultural towns, which can sometimes impact crime rates. The combination of high population density in the urban centre and its role as a regional service hub means that police resources are often focused on managing public order and retail-related offences in the town centre.

Crime in Boston

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the Boston local authority area, accounting for 34.1% of all reports with 38.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent issue at 21.4%, followed by shoplifting at 12.5%. These three categories represent the majority of law enforcement activity in the district.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and theft—is a significant concern for the area, with an overall rate of 38.4 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Shoplifting is particularly prevalent, reflecting the area's role as a retail centre. Burglary and vehicle crime, while less frequent than violence, still account for 3.2% and 3.0% of total crime respectively. For residents and business owners, this data suggests that property security is a priority, especially in commercial areas and densely populated residential zones where opportunistic theft is more likely.

Crime Trends in Boston

The crime trend in the Boston local authority is currently increasing, with a 5.1% rise in total offences over the last year. This steady growth suggests that criminal activity is becoming more frequent across the district. Monthly data from late 2024 and 2025 reveals a fluctuating but generally elevated pattern. Crime rates started at 10.2 per 1,000 in November 2024, followed by a slight dip during the winter months. However, activity surged again in the summer of 2025, reaching a peak of 11.6 per 1,000 in July and 10.8 in August. This seasonal peak is common in urban areas but highlights a period of increased risk for residents. The rate returned to 8.4 by October 2025, matching the previous year's winter levels. This cyclical pattern suggests that while the overall trend is up, crime remains heavily influenced by seasonal factors and urban activity levels.

When compared to its immediate neighbours in Lincolnshire, Boston stands out as having a significantly higher crime rate. Nearby local authorities such as South Holland, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, and East Lindsey all recorded substantially lower crime rates (0.0 in current comparative data), as did the larger city of Lincoln and nearby Peterborough. This suggests that as a concentrated urban and industrial centre, Boston experiences a much higher volume of reported incidents per capita than the surrounding rural districts. For those moving within the region, Boston represents the most active area for law enforcement, making proactive security a more pressing concern for residents here than in the neighbouring agricultural areas.

In an area like Boston, where the property crime rate of 38.4 per 1,000 residents exceeds the national average, traditional security measures may not be enough. Most homeowners rely on reactive systems—cameras that record a burglary while it happens or alarms that sound only after a door has been forced. In a busy urban environment, these are often ignored or only useful for insurance claims after the damage is done. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a different approach: proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries constantly, scOS can identify a threat before a crime is committed. Whether it’s an intruder in your garden or a vehicle with suspicious plates, scOS detects the pattern and can autonomously intervene by activating lights or clear audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes a criminal to move on before they ever touch your property. For Boston residents, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI-driven prevention is the most effective way to stay ahead of local crime trends and ensure their homes remain safe.

How To Keep Safe in Boston

As the highest crime type in the Boston area is violence and sexual offences, personal safety and awareness in public spaces are paramount.

1. When in the town centre or near major transport hubs, especially at night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone through quiet side streets.
2. If you are out for the evening, plan your journey home in advance using licensed taxis or public transport, and avoid walking through parks or isolated areas after dark.
3. For business owners, particularly in retail, ensure that your premises are equipped with clear signage and modern security to deter shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
4. Homeowners should focus on securing all entry points; given the property crime rate, high-quality locks and visible security systems are essential.
5. Be vigilant in residential areas during the summer months and early evenings when anti-social behaviour reports often peak.
6. Join local community safety groups or the Neighbourhood Watch to stay updated on specific crime hotspots and police initiatives in the Boston area.