Houghton on the Hill Crime Rate

Crime in Houghton on the Hill

Houghton on the Hill is a safe and secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 52.3 per 1,000 people per year. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to an excellent safety score of 88/100. For its 1,738 residents, the area offers a much higher level of protection than the national average safety score of 78. However, it is important to note that crime in the area has seen a recent upward trend, with a 24.7% increase year-over-year. While the area remains safe by UK standards, this rise highlights a need for increased local awareness. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime breakdown, trends, and safety advice tailored to Houghton on the Hill.

Crime Breakdown in Houghton on the Hill

Houghton on the Hill experiences a mix of crime types, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent, representing 25.3% of all reports. This is followed by vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour, which both account for 13.2% of the total. These figures highlight that while public order issues are present, property-related concerns are a significant factor for the local community.

The overall property crime rate in Houghton on the Hill is 25.9 per 1,000 people. This is comfortably below the UK average of 32.9, but still represents a substantial portion of local police activity. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most prominent at 13.2%, followed by burglary and other theft, which each make up 9.9% of total crimes. Shoplifting also accounts for 7.7% of incidents. For residents, this means that while the area is safer than many parts of the UK, vehicle security and home protection should remain priorities. The fact that vehicle crime and burglary combined make up nearly a quarter of all reports suggests that opportunistic property crime is the primary threat to homeowners in the area.

Crime Trends in Houghton on the Hill

The crime trend in Houghton on the Hill is currently upward, with a 24.7% increase year-over-year. This is a significant rise that residents should be aware of. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows that crime rates were initially very low, with November and December 2024 recording rates of 2.3 and 1.7 per 1,000 people.

However, the area experienced a sharp increase at the beginning of 2025, with the crime rate jumping to 6.3 in January and peaking at 7.5 in February. Following this peak, the rate fluctuated throughout the spring and summer, hitting 6.9 in both April and June. The latter part of the year showed a welcome downward trend, with the rate falling to 2.9 in September and just 1.2 in October. While the overall annual increase is high, the data from the final months of 2025 suggests that the spike in crime may be subsiding. Residents should remain vigilant but can be encouraged by the recent improvements.

How To Keep Safe in Houghton on the Hill

The most frequent crime type in Houghton on the Hill is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 25.3% of reported incidents. While the overall volume of crime is low, maintaining personal safety remains a key priority for residents.

To enhance your safety in Houghton on the Hill, consider these practical tips:

1. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit at night, particularly near entry points and driveways, to discourage loitering and opportunistic crime.
2. Given that vehicle crime is a top concern, always double-check that your car is locked and never leave valuables, such as bags or electronics, in plain sight.
3. Consider joining the local Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about crime trends in the village and to help look out for vulnerable neighbours.
4. Use timers for your indoor lights when you are away from home to give the impression that the property is occupied.
5. If you witness any suspicious behaviour, particularly around parked cars or residential driveways, report it to the police via the 101 non-emergency number.

Time Patterns of Crime in Houghton on the Hill

Crime in Houghton on the Hill shows distinct variations throughout the day. In the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the most common issue at 38%, with vehicle crime also featuring at 27%. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees theft-related offences peak at 42%, while burglary also rises to 30%. These daytime figures suggest that opportunistic crime is most prevalent when residents are likely to be away at work or shopping.

During the evening (6pm - 12am), the crime mix shifts, with 'Other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rising to 31%, while vehicle crime and burglary remain steady at 27% and 26% respectively. The most dramatic shift occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 54% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a significant night-time risk at 26%. These patterns indicate that while daytime crime is driven by theft, the night-time hours present a very specific and heightened risk for vehicle owners in Houghton on the Hill.

Nearby Areas

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Houghton on the Hill has a slightly more active crime profile. Its rate of 52.3 per 1,000 is higher than nearby Billesdon (36.8) and Great Glen (38.6). Furthermore, rural hamlets such as Great Stretton and Burton Overy recorded no crimes (0.0 per 1,000) during the same period. This suggests that as a larger urban settlement in the Harborough area, Houghton on the Hill experiences more of the opportunistic crime typical of more populated residential zones. Despite this, its safety score of 88/100 remains very high, offering a secure environment that is still significantly safer than the national average.

Proactive Protection for Houghton on the Hill Residents

With a property crime rate of 25.9 per 1,000 and vehicle crime being one of the top three offences, residents of Houghton on the Hill should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV systems are essentially recording devices; they tell you what happened after the event, which is often too late to prevent loss or damage. In an area where vehicle crime is a persistent issue, proactive protection is a far more effective strategy.

scOS represents the next generation of home security. Using advanced AI, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they escalate. It can recognise familiar faces and vehicles while instantly flagging unauthorised activity. For Houghton on the Hill homeowners, the system's autonomous response—activating lights and audio warnings—can deter a criminal within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, scOS provides a level of security that aligns with the high safety standards of the area while specifically addressing the local risks of vehicle crime and burglary.