Barrow upon Soar Crime Rate

Barrow upon Soar’s crime rate of 70.2 per 1,000 residents is 22.8% below the UK average, yet the area experiences a 19% higher rate of criminal damage and arson than the national benchmark. This contrast highlights the area’s overall safety despite targeted vulnerabilities in property-related crimes. With a safety score of 84/100, Barrow upon Soar ranks among the UK’s safest communities, but residents should remain mindful of rural-specific risks such as vandalism and isolated property damage.

Barrow upon Soar is a rural built-up area within Charnwood, characterized by a mix of residential properties and agricultural land. Its low population density and proximity to natural landscapes likely contribute to its overall safety. However, the area's rural character may also create opportunities for targeted crimes like vandalism or damage to isolated properties, explaining the 19% higher rate of criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average. Limited urban infrastructure and fewer public spaces may suppress certain crime types, such as vehicle crime and shoplifting.

The most surprising finding in Barrow upon Soar’s crime data is the 19% higher rate of criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average (7.9 vs 6.6 per 1,000). This may reflect the area’s rural setting, where unoccupied properties or agricultural equipment could be vulnerable to vandalism. Meanwhile, the property crime rate (20.6 per 1,000) is 35.3% below the UK average, likely due to lower population density reducing opportunities for theft. Anti-social behaviour (13.3 per 1,000) is 9% below the UK average, linked to the area’s quieter, more spread-out community. The sharp 57.1% drop in shoplifting could indicate effective local deterrents or reduced retail activity during the data period.

Crime in Barrow upon Soar has remained stable, declining by -4.1% year-on-year. The most significant drop is in shoplifting, which fell by 57.1% YoY, likely due to reduced retail activity or improved local deterrence. Public order crime has risen sharply by 44% YoY, possibly linked to increased community events or changes in local behaviour. Burglary has decreased by 28.6% YoY, though it remains 3% above the UK average. These trends highlight a mix of positive developments and emerging challenges in the area’s crime profile.

How To Keep Safe in Barrow upon Soar

Residents should focus on securing properties vulnerable to criminal damage and arson, such as installing motion sensors or outdoor lighting. For burglary, which occurs at 3.4 per 1,000 (3% above UK average), consider reinforced locks and window alarms. Given the 57.1% drop in shoplifting, local businesses may benefit from visible deterrents like CCTV. For public order issues, which have risen 44% YoY, stay informed about community events and report suspicious behaviour through standard channels.

Crime in Barrow upon Soar shows distinct patterns tied to the area’s rural character. Vehicle crime peaks at night (12am–6am, 33% of incidents), likely due to fewer people around to deter opportunistic theft. Theft from the person and shoplifting, though rare, occur more frequently in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), possibly during periods of local market activity or commuting. Other crime spikes at night (37% of incidents), suggesting isolated incidents may be more common during these hours. The absence of violence and sexual offences during evenings and nights may reflect the area’s low population density and limited nightlife.

Compared to nearby areas, Barrow upon Soar has a 30% higher crime rate than Quorndon (53.9 per 1,000) but a 14% lower rate than Sileby (80.1 per 1,000). Quorndon’s significantly lower rate may reflect its more rural, sparsely populated character, while Sileby’s higher rate could stem from greater urbanisation or socioeconomic factors. Despite these differences, Barrow upon Soar maintains a safety score 5 points above the UK average, indicating effective local crime prevention measures.

For Barrow upon Soar residents, scOS’s proactive perimeter detection is a critical feature given the area’s 19% higher rate of criminal damage and arson. The system’s AI distinguishes between regular activity and suspicious behaviour, reducing false alarms while alerting homeowners to potential threats. Its autonomous deterrence — activating lights and speakers — could discourage vandals targeting isolated properties. With vehicle crime at 3.1 per 1,000 (32% below UK average), scOS’s DVLA vehicle registration verification also provides added reassurance for rural residents.