Boston Crime Rate

About Boston

Boston, a local authority district with a population of 71,080, has an overall crime rate of 112.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting that Boston experiences a greater prevalence of criminal activity compared to many other areas across the country. The area's safety score is 75 out of 100, which, while above the UK average of 78, indicates there is room for improvement in perceived safety. In terms of recent trends, Boston has seen an increasing crime rate, with a 7.5% rise year-over-year. This upward trend provides important context for understanding the detailed crime data presented below.

About Boston

Boston is a historic port and market town situated in Lincolnshire, characterised by its mix of urban and surrounding agricultural landscapes. Its economy has strong ties to agriculture, food processing, and maritime activities, which can attract a diverse and sometimes transient population. As a commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas, Boston experiences significant daytime activity, including shopping and market trade, which can contribute to certain types of crime such as shoplifting and other theft. The town's infrastructure, including major roads like the A16 and A52, also positions it as a transport hub, potentially influencing the flow of individuals through the area.

The town's population of 71,080, combined with its role as a regional service centre, contributes to a dynamic environment where various factors can impact crime statistics. Economic conditions within the area, alongside social activities and demographic shifts, play a role in shaping the overall crime rate and perceived safety. Understanding these characteristics helps to provide a more comprehensive picture of the underlying influences behind Boston's crime data.

Crime Breakdown in Boston

An analysis of crime types in Boston reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most significant category, accounting for 2,743 crimes, or 34.3% of the total, at a rate of 38.6 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, with 1,679 incidents, making up 21.0% of all crimes at a rate of 23.6 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks as the third highest crime type, with 993 reported cases, representing 12.4% of the total and a rate of 14.0 per 1,000.

Overall property-related crime in Boston, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, robbery, and other theft, stands at a rate of 38.4 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating that residents and homeowners in Boston face a comparatively higher risk of property-related offences. Specifically, burglary accounts for 3.7 per 1,000, vehicle crime for 3.1 per 1,000, and other theft for 5.7 per 1,000. These figures suggest that proactive security measures are particularly relevant for protecting homes and possessions within the area.

Crime Trends in Boston

Boston has experienced an increasing crime trend, with an overall rise of 7.5% year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into this pattern. The data shows fluctuations throughout the year, with crime rates generally higher in certain periods. For instance, rates were 9.2 in October 2024, rising to 10.2 in November, before a dip to 8.4 in December. The beginning of 2025 saw rates at 8.7 in January and 8.0 in February, followed by a slight increase to 8.8 in March and 8.9 in April. More recent months show a notable upward trend, peaking at 11.6 in July 2025, after 10.2 in June, and remaining high at 10.8 in August, before settling at 9.4 in September. This suggests that residents might observe increased activity during the summer months, and should be mindful of these seasonal variations in crime patterns.

Comparing Boston with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Boston's crime rate of 112.6 per 1,000 residents provides a point of comparison with its neighbouring local authority districts. Areas such as South Holland, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, and East Lindsey are adjacent administrative regions, and understanding how Boston compares to these can offer valuable perspective. Boston's rate is higher than the national average, suggesting it faces greater challenges in crime compared to some of these predominantly rural or suburban neighbours. Furthermore, comparing Boston to larger urban centres like Lincoln and Peterborough, which are significant regional hubs, helps to contextualise its crime statistics within a wider urban framework. While specific figures for these areas are not provided here, Boston's relatively higher crime rate indicates that it may experience a different set of challenges compared to both its immediate rural surroundings and larger city counterparts.

Protecting Your Home in Boston

Given Boston's property crime rate of 38.4 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average, residents may find it beneficial to review their home security measures. Traditional security approaches often focus on recording incidents after they occur, such as CCTV cameras that provide footage of a burglary. However, a more effective strategy is proactive prevention, aiming to stop crime before it happens.

AI-powered systems like scOS offer a different approach by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than waiting for a break-in. This multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, and even uses DVLA vehicle verification to identify suspicious vehicles instantly. By learning your family's routines and distinguishing real threats from everyday activity, scOS aims to minimise false alarms. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can destroy the element of surprise, often deterring potential intruders within the critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment like scOS signals serious protection, offering a proactive alternative to simply documenting a crime after it has already taken place.