March Crime Rate

The March built-up area has an overall crime rate of 103.9 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. The area maintains a solid safety score of 75/100, reflecting its status as a generally secure environment for its 21,434 residents. However, the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 7.2% rise year-over-year. As a significant market town with an active town centre and varied residential areas, March faces the safety challenges typical of an urban hub. By understanding the specific breakdown of crime types, trends, and time patterns, residents can take informed steps to enhance their personal safety and property security in this active and growing community.

In March, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.8% of all recorded incidents (42.5 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 14.1%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.4%. These figures are typical for a busy market town with an active town centre.

Property crime in March occurs at a rate of 30.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the UK average of 32.9. This total includes 'other theft' (6.6%), shoplifting (5.4%), vehicle crime (3.5%), and burglary (3.2%). While the overall crime rate is higher than the UK average, the 7.2% increase in total crime suggests that residents should remain vigilant. For homeowners, the data indicates that while burglary rates are relatively low, the prevalence of criminal damage and theft highlights the need for secure property boundaries. Residents should be mindful of opportunistic theft and ensure that vehicles and entry points are properly protected to mitigate the risks associated with an active urban environment.

The crime trend in March is currently increasing, with a 7.2% rise in total crimes over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in July at 10.1 per 1,000 residents, followed by a consistent period between 8.3 and 8.9 for the remainder of the year. The lowest rate was recorded in April at 7.4. This pattern of higher crime during the summer months is a common trend. The year ended with a rate of 8.6 in October. While the overall trend is upward, the monthly fluctuations suggest that crime levels are relatively stable with some seasonal variation. For residents, this means staying aware of local safety reports is advisable.

How To Keep Safe in March

With violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour being the most common crimes in March, personal safety and awareness are key. To stay safe in the area, consider these recommendations:

1. When visiting the town centre or retail areas, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, particularly during late-night hours.
2. Avoid walking alone through isolated streets or poorly lit paths after dark; stick to busy, well-traveled routes.
3. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps them allocate resources and patrols to specific hotspots.
4. Given the rate of theft, ensure your personal belongings are secure and out of sight when in high-footfall areas.
5. For vehicle owners, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a visible, well-lit area, especially at night when vehicle crime is more likely.

Crime in March follows distinct temporal patterns, with the nature of offences shifting throughout the day. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 46% to 47% of property crimes. This coincides with the peak hours of the town's retail and commercial activity.

As evening approaches, the proportion of theft decreases, while public order and miscellaneous offences (grouped as 'Other') rise significantly to 54%. This suggests that the evening economy and increased social activity contribute to a different set of safety challenges. During the night-time hours (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, representing 30% of property offences, alongside burglary at 19%. This data highlights that while commercial areas require vigilance during the day, residential areas and vehicle owners should be particularly focused on security during the late-night and early-morning hours when these types of crime are most prevalent.

March is the primary urban centre in its immediate region. Its crime rate of 103.9 is higher than the more residential neighbouring areas of Doddington and Wimblington (68.5) and Guyhirn (63.1). It also contrasts with the very low-crime area of Christchurch. As the region's main commercial hub, March's crime statistics reflect its higher population density and retail activity. The 7.2% increase in crime suggests that staying informed about local safety initiatives is increasingly important for residents in the town.

March's property crime rate is 30.5 per 1,000 residents, which is just below the UK average. With criminal damage and theft being notable issues, residents should focus on preventing these incidents rather than just recording them. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you while a crime is occurring or provide footage after the fact. scOS represents a shift to proactive protection.

By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property 24/7 and identifies threats the moment they cross your boundary. In an area where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are significant, scOS's ability to autonomously respond with lights and speakers can stop an incident before it escalates. The system also learns your daily routines and recognises your family, ensuring that you only receive alerts for genuine threats. For March homeowners looking to secure their property in an active urban area, scOS provides a professional-grade solution that focuses on deterrence and prevention.