Louth Crime Rate

Louth is a bustling market town with a crime profile that reflects its role as a regional hub. The overall crime rate is 110.9 per 1,000 people for the period ending November 2025, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this, Louth maintains a respectable safety score of 75/100, indicating a generally secure environment for its 17,375 residents. However, the recent crime trend is increasing, with a 7.4% rise in total offences year-over-year. This upward movement suggests that while Louth remains a safe place compared to many urban areas, residents and business owners should be increasingly proactive about their security measures to counter the rising volume of reported incidents.

Louth's crime profile is primarily composed of violence and sexual offences, which make up 35.7% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also very common, representing 30.1% of the total. Shoplifting is the third most frequent crime at 9.2%. For those concerned with their homes and belongings, the property crime rate in Louth is 29.0 per 1,000 people. This includes 139 reports of criminal damage and arson, 91 incidents of 'other theft', and 49 vehicle crimes. Burglary is relatively low in Louth, with 34 incidents accounting for 1.8% of total crime. While the property crime rate is lower than the UK average, the high incidence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that properties still face risks from vandalism and opportunistic theft. Maintaining visible security and ensuring town-centre properties are well-protected are key for local residents.

The crime trend in Louth is currently upward, with a 7.4% increase in total offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a somewhat volatile but generally rising pattern. The year began with a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 in December, dipping slightly in February before climbing to a peak of 11.5 in July. This summer peak is common in towns that serve as regional hubs. While the rate declined through the autumn, ending at a low of 6.5 in November, the overall year-on-year increase remains a significant factor. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of not becoming complacent about security. The rise in crime suggests that proactive measures are increasingly necessary to maintain the town's historically high safety levels.

How To Keep Safe in Louth

The most common crime in Louth is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe in the town, particularly during the evening, it is advisable to stick to well-lit areas and plan your journeys. Be aware of your surroundings in the town centre and try to avoid walking alone in less-populated areas after dark.

Given the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, it is important to be mindful of your personal belongings in busy public spaces. For homeowners, the high incidence of criminal damage means that visible security measures are a powerful deterrent. Ensure your property's boundaries are well-defined and that any outbuildings or sheds are securely locked. For vehicle owners, always ensure windows are closed and doors are locked, and never leave valuables on display. Finally, engaging with local community safety groups can provide you with real-time updates on local issues and help build a stronger, more resilient community. In a town with an increasing crime trend, staying informed and connected with your neighbours is one of the best ways to enhance your personal safety.

In Louth, crime patterns follow the rhythm of a busy market town. Activity begins to increase in the morning as shops open, with theft and shoplifting being the primary concerns during the day. The afternoon is the peak period for these offences, accounting for 48% of theft-related crime. As the day turns into evening, there is a shift toward anti-social behaviour and public order offences, often linked to the town's social scene. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a lower overall crime volume but a higher concentration of property-related risks. Specifically, 14% of the town's burglaries and a significant 31% of vehicle crimes occur during these late hours. This suggests that while daytime is busier for opportunistic theft, vehicles and unoccupied properties are most at risk during the night. Weekends typically show a higher intensity of activity, particularly in the evenings.

In the local context, Louth's crime rate of 110.9 per 1,000 is significantly higher than that of its immediate rural neighbours. Nearby villages like Legbourne, Alvingham, and Utterby reported negligible crime in this period, while the larger village of Manby has a rate of 57.6. This disparity is typical for a market town like Louth, which attracts a larger transient population for shopping, work, and socialising. For those considering the area, Louth offers the most amenities but also requires a higher level of security awareness than the surrounding countryside. This regional comparison highlights Louth's position as the primary activity centre for this part of East Lindsey.

With an increasing crime trend in Louth, residents should look beyond traditional, reactive security. While the property crime rate of 29.0 per 1,000 is below the UK average, the 139 reported incidents of criminal damage and the overall rise in crime suggest a need for more robust protection. Standard CCTV systems often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For true prevention, a proactive system like scOS is essential. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter 24/7. It can identify suspicious activity or unauthorised vehicles before an intruder reaches your door. By triggering autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings, scOS can deter a potential criminal within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. In a town like Louth, where anti-social behaviour is a major factor, having a system that actively intervenes is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a safe haven.