Monthly Crime Statistics

Boston Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Boston recorded a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, with anti-social behaviour 34% above the UK average. The monthly rate dropped 5.1% compared to April.

599
Total Crimes
8.4
Per 1,000 People
8.1
UK Average
-5.1%
vs Previous Month

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In May 2025, Boston's overall crime rate stood at 8.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 3.7% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while modest in absolute terms, translates to a tangible risk for residents: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 119 people. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.9% of all incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour (22.2%) and shoplifting (12.0%). These patterns may be influenced by Boston's urban character, with high foot traffic in retail areas contributing to shoplifting rates and social spaces fostering anti-social behaviour during extended evenings. Seasonal factors in May—such as bank holidays and increased outdoor activity—likely amplified these trends, as longer daylight hours and social gatherings can heighten opportunities for both property and violent crimes. While violence rates were 8% below the UK average, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting exceeded national benchmarks by 34% and 49% respectively, suggesting targeted local challenges. The balance of crime types also revealed a shift: property crimes (208) slightly outnumbered violent crimes (185), a reversal of the previous month's trend. This mix may reflect seasonal dynamics, with property crimes peaking during warmer weather and social events. The data underscores the importance of situational awareness in public spaces, particularly in areas with high concentrations of retail or nightlife activity.

May 2025 saw a stark 200% increase in burglary cases, rising from 9 to 27 incidents. This surge, while unexplained by the data, contrasts with a 29.2% decrease in vehicle crime, which fell from 24 to 17. Anti-social behaviour remained a concern, with rates 34% above the UK average, a pattern that may be linked to the area's urban character and seasonal socialising. Shoplifting also showed a significant disparity, with rates 49% above the UK average, potentially driven by high foot traffic in retail zones during longer evenings. Conversely, vehicle crime decreased sharply, reflecting reduced car usage during the May bank holiday period or improved security measures. Residents may find the 3.7% increase in overall crime rate compared to the UK average a key insight, though this remains a small margin in absolute terms. The data also shows a 40% rise in drug-related incidents, a trend that may warrant closer attention from local authorities.

Boston's crime rate in May 2025 dropped by 5.1% compared to the previous month, settling at 8.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline follows a peak of 8.9 per 1,000 in April, reflecting a trend that may be influenced by seasonal patterns or local interventions. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 19 crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity within the community. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for roughly every 119 residents over the course of May—a ratio that, while slightly higher than the UK average, remains a useful benchmark for residents to understand their personal risk. This monthly aggregate highlights the importance of consistent policing and community engagement in maintaining public safety, particularly during periods of increased social activity such as bank holidays and longer evenings. The population of 71,080 residents means that crime statistics must be interpreted within the broader context of urban density and local infrastructure, which may influence both the frequency and nature of reported incidents.

Crime Breakdown - May 2025

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences1852.630.9%
Anti-social behaviour1331.922.2%
Shoplifting72112%
Criminal damage and arson470.77.9%
Public order410.66.8%
Burglary270.44.5%
Other theft270.44.5%
Vehicle crime170.22.8%
Other crime160.22.7%
Drugs140.22.3%
Bicycle theft110.21.8%
Theft from the person40.10.7%
Robbery300.5%
Possession of weapons200.3%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Boston

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 16 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month