Lowestoft Crime Rate

Lowestoft presents a safety profile that is notably better than the national average. With an overall crime rate of 83.0 per 1,000 people, it sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 79/100, matching the UK average safety score. Most encouragingly, the area is experiencing a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with a -10.0% year-over-year decrease in reported incidents. While property crime remains a factor for residents to consider, the rate of 27.3 per 1,000 is also lower than the national benchmark of 32.3. This data indicates that Lowestoft is a relatively stable and improving environment for its 70,875 residents.

Crime in Lowestoft is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.9% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 36.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson follow as the next most significant concerns, representing 11.8% and 10.7% of total crime respectively.

Property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, vehicle crime, bicycle theft, and shoplifting, occurs at a combined rate of 27.3 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, it still presents a tangible risk to local homeowners. Criminal damage alone accounts for over 10% of crime, suggesting that residential and commercial property maintenance and security are vital considerations for those living in the area. For residents, these statistics highlight the importance of securing outbuildings and vehicles, as well as maintaining a visible security presence to deter opportunists.

Lowestoft is currently seeing a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a year-over-year decrease of 10.0%. This suggests that local initiatives and policing are having a measurable impact on safety. Monthly data from the past year shows a relatively stable start, with rates holding at 5.9 per 1,000 from December through February. However, there is a clear seasonal increase as the year progresses. Crime rates peaked during the summer months, reaching 8.0 in July and September, and 7.7 in June. This seasonal spike is common in coastal towns where increased visitor numbers can influence local statistics. Since the September peak, the rate has begun to decline again, dropping to 7.1 by November. This cyclical pattern suggests that residents should be particularly mindful of security during the busier summer period.

How To Keep Safe in Lowestoft

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Lowestoft. While many of these incidents are not random, staying aware of your surroundings in busy or secluded areas is always advisable.

• When walking at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid poorly lit shortcuts or alleyways, particularly near the seafront or town centre.
• If you are visiting local nightlife venues, always stay with your group and ensure you have a pre-planned and safe way to get home.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible, but avoid using it in a way that distracts you from your immediate environment.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local authorities immediately to help them map and respond to emerging issues.
• Consider using personal safety apps that allow trusted friends or family members to track your journey when travelling alone.

An analysis of crime timing in Lowestoft reveals specific periods of vulnerability. Theft is most prevalent during daylight hours, accounting for 36% of morning crimes and 38% of afternoon incidents. This suggests that commercial areas and busy pedestrian zones are the primary focus during these times. As the day progresses into the evening and night, the character of crime shifts significantly. Vehicle crime, which is relatively low in the afternoon (4%), rises sharply to 11% in the evening and peaks at 29% during the night (12am-6am). Burglary also shows a steady presence throughout the day, but reaches its peak percentage of 19% during the night. The 'other' crime category, which includes public order and anti-social behaviour, remains high at all times but is most dominant in the evening hours, making up 60% of recorded incidents.

When examining the wider region, Lowestoft serves as the primary urban hub, which is reflected in its higher crime rate of 83.0 per 1,000 people compared to surrounding villages. Nearby Corton and Kessingland report significantly lower rates of 50.3 and 50.2 respectively. Blundeston remains even quieter with a rate of 27.9, while Barnby and North Cove report no crime at all. For those considering the area, Lowestoft offers the amenities of a larger town with a crime rate that, while higher than its immediate rural neighbours, still remains well below the UK national average.

Protecting a property in Lowestoft requires a shift from traditional reactive security to proactive prevention. With a property crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000, homeowners face risks ranging from vehicle crime to criminal damage. Standard CCTV systems often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the initial loss or damage.

The scOS AI-powered operating system changes this dynamic by identifying potential threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your home's perimeter, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a genuine intruder. In an area like Lowestoft, where vehicle crime peaks at night, the autonomous response features of scOS—such as activating lights or speakers—can deter a criminal within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. This proactive approach ensures that the element of surprise is lost for the intruder, often causing them to move on before any damage is done. Monitoring routines and recognising familiar faces means scOS only alerts you when a real threat is detected, providing peace of mind without the annoyance of false alarms.