Fenland Crime Rate

Fenland Crime Overview

Fenland presents a stable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 92.3 per 1,000 people. This figure is almost identical to the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a safety score of 78/100, which exactly matches the national average. The district, which includes the market towns of Wisbech, March, Whittlesey, and Chatteris, has seen a stable crime trend with a minor 2.8% increase over the past year. This consistency suggests that while crime volume is present, it is not experiencing a significant upward trajectory. The local statistics are primarily driven by violence and anti-social behaviour, which are common in urban centres. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and business owners understand and manage their local safety environment effectively.

About Chesterfield

Chesterfield is a large market town in Derbyshire, famous for its Parish Church with its unique 'Crooked Spire'. The town has a rich industrial heritage, particularly in coal mining and engineering, and today it serves as a major commercial and administrative hub for the region. The district includes the main town of Chesterfield as well as surrounding areas like Brimington and Staveley. Its economy has transitioned toward retail, services, and distribution, with several large business parks and the town centre acting as major local employers.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its high population density and its role as a regional destination for shopping and nightlife. The town centre attracts a significant number of visitors, which contributes to the higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. Economic factors, including pockets of deprivation following the decline of traditional industries, also play a role in local crime rates. However, Chesterfield also benefits from extensive green spaces and residential suburbs that maintain a more traditional community feel. The district's connectivity to the M1 motorway makes it an attractive location for commuters, but also exposes it to the challenges of being a well-connected urban centre in the East Midlands.

Crime Breakdown in Fenland

In Fenland, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 40.0% of all incidents with 3,871 cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 16.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.5%. For those focused on property protection, the overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is 29.0 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Other theft and shoplifting are also significant factors, with 797 and 579 incidents reported respectively. While burglary represents 3.4% of total crime (333 incidents), the combined volume of criminal damage and other theft suggests that property security is a key priority for the local community. The data indicates that while personal safety is the primary statistical focus, the risk of opportunistic property crime is a persistent reality for residents and business owners in the district.

Crime Trends in Fenland

The crime trend in Fenland is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 2.8%. Analysis of the monthly data reveals a fairly consistent level of activity throughout the year, with crime rates per 1,000 residents typically ranging from 6.9 to 8.8. A slight peak was observed in July 2025 (8.8) and June 2025 (8.6), which is a common seasonal pattern where activity increases during the summer months.

The year ended with a slight decrease, as October 2025 recorded a rate of 7.2 per 1,000. These small fluctuations suggest that while there has been a minor increase in reported crime, the overall safety of the area remains consistent. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that the district is not experiencing any significant or alarming spikes in criminal activity and that safety levels are being maintained effectively across the various communities within the local authority.

Regional Safety Context

In the context of Cambridgeshire and the Fens, Fenland serves as an important urban and agricultural hub. Its crime rate of 92.3 per 1,000 is higher than the statistical 0.0 reported for neighbouring areas like Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, and Cambridge in this specific dataset. This is often typical of districts with major market towns that act as regional centres for shopping and services, which naturally centralises crime reports. However, with a safety score of 78/100, Fenland remains a safe choice compared to many other urban areas in the East of England. It offers a balanced environment where the activity of its market towns is matched by a generally secure and well-managed residential atmosphere.

Proactive Security for Fenland

Fenland has a property crime rate of 29.0 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average. Criminal damage and other theft are significant contributors to local statistics, often targeting properties in the district's market towns and more isolated rural areas. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they notify you after an intruder has already entered your property or damaged your home, providing little more than footage for a police report.

scOS offers a proactive alternative that is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using advanced AI and multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between a neighbour's cat and a genuine threat, and its multi-camera intelligence can identify suspicious activity across your entire property. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes the intruder to move on before they ever attempt a break-in. For Fenland residents, this proactive approach offers true peace of mind, ensuring that your security system is an active guardian that stops threats rather than just a passive recorder of your property losses. This professional-grade security is essential for maintaining the safety standards expected in the district.

How To Keep Safe in Fenland

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Fenland, accounting for 40.0% of reports. Residents are encouraged to follow these practical safety tips to enhance their personal and property security.

1. Town Centre Awareness: When in busy market towns like Wisbech or March, stay mindful of your surroundings, especially during the evening. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid isolated shortcuts.
2. Secure Your Outbuildings: With other theft and criminal damage being notable factors, ensure that sheds, garages, and barns are secured with high-quality locks. This is especially important for more isolated rural properties.
3. Property Marking: Use forensic marking kits for valuable garden machinery, tools, and bicycles. This acts as a deterrent and makes it much easier for police to return stolen items if they are recovered.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps them identify patterns and allocate resources more effectively to the affected neighbourhoods.
5. Community Engagement: Join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or social media safety groups. Staying informed about recent activity in your specific area is one of the best ways to stay ahead of opportunistic crime.