Horncastle Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Horncastle’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 44% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This performance reflects a broader pattern of low overall crime, though the composition of incidents reveals specific trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 50% of all reported crimes, with 13 incidents recorded—a rate of 2.3 per 1,000, 19% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 23.1% of the total, while criminal damage and arson made up 11.5%. These figures align with Horncastle’s status as a small, rural-adjacent built-up area where interpersonal disputes and minor property damage may dominate over more severe crimes. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended daylight—likely contributes to increased social activity, potentially influencing the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. However, the town’s overall safety remains evident, with property crimes comprising only 11.5% of the total, compared to 35% of UK crimes. This disparity may stem from Horncastle’s limited retail and nightlife presence, which reduces opportunities for shoplifting or alcohol-fueled incidents. The drug-related crime rate.4 per 1,000, is 82% above the UK average, suggesting a localized anomaly that warrants further exploration. As with previous months, the data underscores Horncastle’s position as a relatively safe community, with crime patterns shaped by its geographical and demographic characteristics.

The most striking change in May 2024 was the 200% surge in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to three incidents. This jump, though small in absolute terms, represents the largest category-specific increase and may reflect seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activity during longer evenings. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, reaching six incidents, while drug-related crimes rose from one to two—a 100% increase. These shifts contrast with the town’s generally low crime profile, particularly in violent crime, which remains 19% below the UK average. Drug-related offences in Horncastle are 82% above the UK average, a stark outlier that may warrant closer attention given the small volume of such crimes. The balance between violent and property crimes also shifted, with violence and sexual offences comprising 50% of all reported crimes—double the share of property crimes. This mix highlights the dominance of interpersonal incidents over theft or burglary, a pattern consistent with Horncastle’s character as a small, closely-knit community where disputes may escalate more readily.

Horncastle’s crime rate in May 2024 rose 8.4% from 4.3 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents compared to April, reflecting a slight upward trend. This increase, though modest, contrasts with the area’s overall position 44% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately one reported crime per day in May, a figure that, while low, may signal localized pressures. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 215 residents, a statistic that contextualizes the monthly exposure for households. With a population of 5,590, this rate underscores the town’s relative safety, even as the modest rise suggests potential shifts in community dynamics or seasonal factors. The increase aligns with May’s typical patterns—longer evenings and bank holidays—which could influence outdoor socializing and related incidents. However, the overall low volume of crimes remains a consistent feature of Horncastle’s crime profile.