Skegness Crime Rate

Skegness is a high-activity coastal resort with a crime profile that reflects its popularity as a tourist destination. The overall crime rate stands at 184.8 per 1,000 people for the period ending November 2025, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Consequently, the town has a safety score of 59/100, lower than the national average of 79. However, the recent trend is encouraging, with a 5.6% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This suggests that while crime volumes remain high due to the town's seasonal influx of visitors, the overall situation is improving. For the 22,885 permanent residents, these statistics highlight the importance of staying vigilant, particularly during the peak summer months when activity is at its highest.

Skegness experiences a unique crime profile heavily influenced by its status as a major seaside resort. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, accounting for 34.2% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.0%. Shoplifting is also significantly high, representing 16.0% of total crime. For residents and business owners, the property crime rate is a substantial 67.1 per 1,000 people. This includes 123 burglaries and 102 vehicle crimes, along with 254 incidents of 'other theft'. The high rate of shoplifting and theft reflects the busy commercial and tourist nature of the town. Burglary, while representing only 2.9% of total crime, still occurs at a rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people. The combination of high visitor numbers and a transient population during peak seasons makes effective property security and personal awareness essential for everyone in the Skegness area.

The crime trend in Skegness is currently positive, with a 5.6% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a very strong seasonal pattern. The year began with a crime rate of 14.9 per 1,000 in December and January, which then dipped slightly in the late winter. However, as the tourist season approached, the rate climbed significantly, peaking at 20.4 in July and 19.0 in August. This aligns perfectly with the town's peak visitor period. Following the summer, the rate steadily declined, returning to 13.9 by November. For residents, this means that while the overall trend is downward, vigilance must remain high during the summer months. The predictability of this seasonal surge allows for better preparation and the implementation of enhanced security measures during the highest-risk periods.

How To Keep Safe in Skegness

The most common crime in Skegness is violence and sexual offences, which often peak during the busy summer months and in the evenings. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when in crowded areas like the seafront or town centre. If you are enjoying the nightlife, stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance. Use well-lit, busy routes and avoid less-populated areas after dark.

Given the high rate of shoplifting and 'other theft', it is essential to keep a close eye on your personal belongings in public. For homeowners and businesses, the property crime rate of 67.1 per 1,000 highlights the need for robust security. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and consider installing motion-activated lighting to remove the cover of darkness. For vehicle owners, never leave valuables on display and always use secure parking where possible. Finally, engaging with local community safety groups can provide you with real-time updates on local crime trends, helping you and your neighbours stay informed and protected throughout the year.

In Skegness, crime patterns are heavily dictated by the town's rhythm as a tourist resort. Activity begins to rise sharply in the morning as shops open, with theft and shoplifting peaking during the afternoon (50% of crimes in this period). As the day transitions into the evening, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and violence, coinciding with the nightlife economy. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a lower overall volume but a higher concentration of property-related offences; 20% of the town's burglaries and 24% of vehicle crimes occur during these hours. This suggests that while daytime is busier for opportunistic theft, the night remains the primary window for more deliberate property crime. Weekends, particularly during the summer season, see the highest overall intensity of activity throughout the 24-hour cycle.

In the local context, Skegness serves as the primary hub for the Lincolnshire coast. Its crime rate of 184.8 per 1,000 is much higher than that of more residential neighbours like Burgh le Marsh (43.1) or Wainfleet All Saints (67.6). However, it is notably lower than the extreme crime rate seen in nearby Ingoldmells (404.1), which is even more heavily dominated by seasonal tourist activity. For those considering the area, Skegness offers the most amenities but also requires the highest level of personal and property security awareness. The stark differences between these nearby areas underscore how much local crime rates are driven by tourism and commercial density.

With a property crime rate of 67.1 per 1,000 people—more than double the UK average—Skegness residents and business owners face a significant challenge. In such a high-activity environment, traditional security systems that only record footage often fall short. They provide evidence after the fact but do not prevent the loss or damage. For effective protection, a proactive approach is required. scOS utilizes AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. By identifying suspicious patterns or unknown vehicles—and even cross-referencing with DVLA databases—scOS can trigger autonomous responses like high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This is designed to deter a potential intruder within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. In Skegness, where shoplifting and 'other theft' are particularly common, having a system that actively intervenes can make your property a far less attractive target, ensuring criminals move on to easier, less-protected locations.