Horncastle Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2024, Horncastle’s crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents places it 1.3% above the UK average. This rate translates to one reported crime for every 130 residents over the course of the month—a figure that, while statistically measurable, likely feels distant to most locals given the area’s small population of 5,590. The crime profile shows a distinct emphasis on interpersonal and property-related issues: violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.0%) and other theft (11.6%). These patterns align with seasonal rhythms in the built-up area, where Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping may have contributed to heightened activity in public spaces. The prolonged darkness of November evenings could also explain the persistence of anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting and burglary rates both exceeded UK averages by significant margins, suggesting vulnerabilities in retail and residential security that warrant closer attention. While the overall rate is only marginally higher than the national average, the concentration of certain crime types highlights localized pressures that may not be fully captured by broader statistics.

November saw stark shifts in crime trends, with drug-related offences surging by 200% compared to October, rising from one to three incidents. This increase, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal patterns tied to Bonfire Night gatherings or increased social mixing in the built-up area. Burglary and vehicle crime both doubled month-on-month, reaching four and one incidents respectively—figures that, while small, could signal emerging risks in residential or parking zones. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 57.1%, likely due to reduced outdoor activity as temperatures fell and daylight hours shortened. This decline contrasts with the sharp rise in drug-related crimes, illustrating a complex shift in criminal activity. The area’s shoplifting rate (0.9 per 1,000) and burglary rate (0.7 per 1,000) both exceeded UK averages by over 30%, indicating specific challenges for local retailers and homeowners. For residents, the most immediate takeaway may be the 200% increase in drug-related incidents, which suggests a need for heightened awareness in areas with transient populations or late-night activity.

Horncastle’s crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents in November represents a 2.4% increase from October’s 7.5 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day in November—a frequency that, when scaled to the population, means a resident had a 1-in-130 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime over the course of the month. This figure, while mathematically precise, does not account for the subjective experience of safety, which may be shaped by factors beyond official statistics. The population context is critical: with 5,590 residents, even a small number of incidents can feel impactful in a close-knit community. Compared to the UK average, Horncastle’s rate is only marginally higher, but its crime mix differs significantly. For example, while violence and sexual offences are 15% below the national average, drug-related crimes are 92% above—a disparity that may reflect local socioeconomic dynamics or unmet needs in the area. These comparisons underscore the importance of interpreting crime data within the specific context of Horncastle’s built-up environment, where population density and community networks interact uniquely with broader national trends.