Boston Crime Rate

Boston recorded a crime rate of 109.8 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a heightened risk of experiencing crime. However, it's important to understand the nuances of crime distribution within the town. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout this period, but overall, crime rates have remained stable with a slight decrease of -0.1% year-on-year. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. This overview provides a starting point for understanding the safety landscape in Boston and how to stay informed.

Boston, a market town in the South Holland district of Lincolnshire, presents a unique landscape for understanding its crime statistics. The area’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and food processing, contributing to a transient workforce and occasional seasonal employment fluctuations. The town centre hosts a mix of retail and service businesses, attracting visitors from surrounding rural communities. This combination of factors, alongside a relatively small population, can influence reported crime levels, as challenges related to deprivation and limited social services may be exacerbated. Understanding these underlying socioeconomic factors is crucial when analysing crime trends within Boston.

The most concerning crime types in Boston revolve around violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.5% of all reported crimes. This category includes a range of incidents, requiring targeted preventative measures. Anti-social behaviour also represents a significant proportion of reported crime (22.0%), often linked to public spaces and community tensions. Shoplifting is another prevalent issue, indicating challenges related to retail security and potential economic pressures. Overall, property crime in Boston stands at 37.3 per 1,000 residents, which, while concerning, is influenced by the factors discussed above. The specific nature of property crime, including burglary and vehicle crime, is discussed in further detail below.

Crime rates in Boston have remained remarkably stable between January 2025 and December 2025, experiencing a slight decrease of -0.1% year-on-year. While there are monthly variations – for example, a peak in June 2025 (10.2 per 1,000/month) and a low in December 2025 (7.8 per 1,000/month) – these fluctuations do not indicate a clear upward or downward trend. This stability suggests that current crime prevention strategies are having a limited impact, but also that significant issues are not escalating.

Boston's crime rate stands in stark contrast to surrounding areas. South Holland, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, East Lindsey and Lincoln all recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, significantly lower than Boston’s rate. This highlights Boston’s unique challenges in comparison to its neighbours.

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How To Keep Safe in Boston

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups whenever possible. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Secure your home with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, participate in community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance.