East Lindsey Crime Rate

East Lindsey offers a safety profile that aligns closely with national averages. The district's overall crime rate is 90.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly better than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 79/100, exactly matching the UK benchmark. The crime trend in East Lindsey is currently perfectly stable, with a 0.0% change year-over-year. However, the district's statistics are significantly influenced by its coastal tourism, leading to noticeable seasonal variations in crime volume. While many of the inland rural areas are very quiet, the busier coastal resorts contribute the majority of the reported incidents. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of these patterns and advice for residents and visitors.

About East Lindsey

East Lindsey is a large, predominantly rural district in Lincolnshire, known for its extensive coastline and the popular seaside resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe. The area's crime statistics are heavily influenced by its geography and seasonal tourism. During the summer months, the population swells significantly as visitors flock to the coast, which often leads to a spike in reported incidents, particularly anti-social behaviour and theft.

The district also includes historic market towns like Louth and Horncastle, which have a more stable, residential character. Economic factors in East Lindsey include a reliance on the tourism and agricultural sectors, which can lead to seasonal employment fluctuations. The sparse population in rural areas means that while overall crime rates might seem moderate, the concentration of activity in coastal hubs is a major driver of the district's safety score. Understanding East Lindsey's crime profile requires balancing the quiet nature of its inland villages with the high-intensity activity found in its major tourist destinations.

Crime Breakdown in East Lindsey

In East Lindsey, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 4,943 incidents or 37.6% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, making up 23.5% of reports. Shoplifting follows as the third most common crime type at 7.9%. These figures suggest that personal safety and social conduct are the primary concerns across the district, particularly in the more densely populated coastal areas.

Property-related crime in East Lindsey occurs at a rate of 26.5 per 1,000 people. This total is comprised of shoplifting (7.9%), criminal damage and arson (7.8%), other theft (6.2%), and burglary (3.7%). Vehicle crime is relatively low at 2.8%. For residents, the data indicates that while burglary is less common than violent crime, opportunistic offences such as shoplifting and criminal damage are persistent issues. Homeowners, especially those with seasonal properties, should be aware that criminal damage and burglary remain risks that require consistent security measures to mitigate. Protection of assets in both retail and residential settings is a key priority for the local community.

Crime Trends in East Lindsey

The crime trend in East Lindsey is currently stable, with no change (0.0%) in total offences year-over-year. This consistency suggests that local safety measures are effectively managing the district's unique challenges. However, the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a very strong seasonal pattern typical of a tourist destination.

Crime rates were at their lowest during the winter, with February recording just 5.9 per 1,000 people. As the tourist season began, the rate climbed steadily, peaking in July at 9.8 and remaining high in August at 9.1. Activity then tapered off as the autumn progressed. This clear summer spike indicates that the influx of visitors brings a temporary increase in opportunistic crime and social nuisance. For residents, this means that while the district is generally stable, the summer months require a higher level of personal and property security to account for the increased activity in the area.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, East Lindsey's crime rate of 90.5 per 1,000 is notably higher. Local authorities such as North East Lincolnshire, Boston, West Lindsey, Lincoln, North Kesteven, and North Lincolnshire all report significantly lower crime volumes in comparative datasets. This difference is largely due to East Lindsey's unique position as a major tourism destination for the East Midlands. The high influx of seasonal visitors to the coast naturally leads to a higher concentration of reported incidents compared to the more consistently residential or industrial profiles of its neighbours. For those looking at the region, East Lindsey represents the most active area for tourism-related crime, while its neighbours offer a quieter, more suburban profile.

With a property crime rate of 26.5 per 1,000 people, residents and business owners in East Lindsey should consider the benefits of advanced security. In an area where criminal damage and shoplifting are among the top concerns, traditional reactive security measures—like standard CCTV that only records footage—may not be enough to prevent an incident from occurring.

scOS provides a proactive solution by using AI to identify potential threats at the perimeter of a property. This is especially valuable in East Lindsey, where many properties may be left unattended during the off-season. scOS doesn't just record a burglary; it works to prevent it by detecting suspicious activity and triggering autonomous responses, such as lights or alerts, to deter intruders before they can cause damage. By moving to a proactive AI-powered system, homeowners can transform their security from a simple recording device into a real-time deterrent, significantly reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime.

How To Keep Safe in East Lindsey

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in East Lindsey, often peaking in busy coastal areas during the summer months. To stay safe, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded tourist spots or late-night entertainment venues.

If you are visiting the coast, try to stay with friends and use well-lit, busy paths. Residents in both rural and coastal areas should ensure their homes are well-secured, as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are also frequent. We recommend installing motion-sensor lighting and ensuring that all outbuildings are locked. For business owners, particularly in the retail sector, being vigilant against shoplifting is essential. Engaging with local community safety groups can also provide you with the latest information on crime trends in your specific town or village. By taking these proactive steps, you can enjoy the best of East Lindsey while staying secure.