Market Harborough Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 25,763 residents, Market Harborough reported 109 crimes in June 2023, translating to a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is 50.6% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to the national benchmark. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (29 cases, 26.6% of total), followed by shoplifting (17 cases, 15.6%) and anti-social behaviour (15 cases, 13.8%). The data illustrates a pattern where property crimes (54 cases, 49.5% of total) and violent crimes (29 cases, 26.6%) dominate, with property crimes slightly outpacing violent incidents. Seasonal factors may influence this distribution, as June marks the start of summer when retail activity and tourism in the area could drive shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting a combination of local demographics, community policing strategies, and the built-up area’s character as a market town with limited high-density urban features. The low burglary rate (6 cases, 5.5% of total) and vehicle crime rate (4 cases, 3.7% of total) further align with the area’s likely lower population density and reduced commercial activity compared to larger urban centres.

June 2023 saw dramatic month-on-month shifts in specific crime types, with shoplifting surging by 240% (from 5 to 17 cases) and theft from the person rising by 200% (from 1 to 3 cases). These increases contrast sharply with declines in other categories, violence and sexual offences, which fell by 43.1% (from 51 to 29 cases) — a change consistent with the start of summer, when fewer night-time activities might reduce opportunities for such crimes. Shoplifting’s 30% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000) highlights a localised challenge, potentially linked to the town’s retail presence and seasonal shopping patterns. Conversely, anti-social behaviour (15 cases) remained 59% below the UK average (1.5 per 1,000), suggesting effective community engagement or policing in this category. The data also reveals that bicycle theft (1 case) and other crime (1 case) were 100% below the UK average, a trend that may reflect the area’s lower student population or fewer high-traffic cycling routes compared to university towns. Residents might find the sharp rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a need for enhanced retail security measures during peak summer months.

June’s crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents marked a 7.6% decrease from May’s rate of 4.6 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day — a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 236 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. For context, Market Harborough’s population of 25,763 means that each resident faces a crime risk of just 0.042% in June, a figure that is lower than the UK’s 0.085%. This population-scaled perspective highlights the area’s relative safety, even as specific crime types like shoplifting rise sharply. The comparison also reveals that while the overall crime rate is down, the distribution of crimes has shifted — with property crimes and violent incidents remaining the dominant categories, albeit at levels well below national averages. This suggests that the area’s unique characteristics, such as its market town identity and lower urban density, contribute to its distinct crime profile.