Rural Harborough Crime Rate

Crime in Rural Harborough

Rural Harborough is a secure and generally peaceful area, with an overall crime rate of 49.1 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to an excellent safety score of 88/100. For its 19,308 residents, Rural Harborough offers a much higher level of security than the typical UK settlement, where the average safety score is 78. However, recent data indicates an 8.8% increase in the crime trend year-over-year. While the area remains safe by national standards, this rise suggests that residents should maintain a proactive approach to personal and property security. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics and practical advice for the community.

Crime Breakdown in Rural Harborough

Rural Harborough maintains a relatively safe environment, though its crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.7% of all reported incidents. The second most frequent category is 'other theft' at 9.6%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 9.1%. These figures indicate that while serious public order issues are the primary concern for local police, opportunistic crime is also a persistent factor.

The property crime rate in Rural Harborough is 17.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, burglary accounts for 7.3% of total crime, and vehicle crime represents 7.1%. Other theft makes up 9.6%, and shoplifting contributes 2.9%. For residents and homeowners, these statistics are generally positive, suggesting a lower risk of property-related offences than in many other parts of the country. However, the fact that burglary and vehicle crime together account for nearly 15% of all incidents highlights the need for continued vigilance and effective home security measures to protect assets and property.

Crime Trends in Rural Harborough

The crime trend in Rural Harborough is currently increasing, with an 8.8% rise year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows a fluctuating but generally upward pattern. In late 2024, the crime rate was relatively stable, recording 4.2 in November and 3.7 in December.

The early part of 2025 saw a drop in activity, reaching a low of 2.6 in January, but this was followed by a steady increase throughout the spring and summer. The crime rate peaked at 6.2 in July 2025, representing the highest level of activity in the 12-month period. Following this peak, the rate returned to more typical levels, ending the year at 4.3 in October. For residents, this trend suggests that while Rural Harborough remains very safe, there are periods of increased activity that warrant attention. The overall 8.8% increase is a reminder to stay proactive about local security.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Harborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Harborough, accounting for 39.7% of all reports. While the area is generally very safe, maintaining situational awareness and personal security is important for all residents.

To stay safe in Rural Harborough, consider these tips:

1. Ensure your home is clearly visible from the road; well-trimmed hedges and good lighting can deter opportunistic criminals.
2. Given the prevalence of 'other theft', keep expensive garden tools, machinery, and bicycles locked away in a secure outbuilding when not in use.
3. Be mindful of your home's security even when you are inside; keep doors locked and don't leave high-value items in plain sight through windows.
4. Join a local rural crime alert scheme or Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your part of the countryside.
5. If you live in a more isolated property, consider installing a smart security system that can alert you to any activity at your property boundaries.

Time Patterns of Crime in Rural Harborough

Crime in Rural Harborough follows distinct patterns throughout the day. In the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 48% of reported incidents. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft-related offences peak at 50% and burglary rises to 25%. These daytime figures suggest that opportunistic crime is most prevalent when residents are likely to be away from home.

During the evening (6pm - 12am), 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, rise to 36%, while burglary remains a significant factor at 24%. The most notable shift occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime reaches its daily peak at 40% and burglary also hits its highest point at 27%. These patterns indicate that while daytime crime is heavily theft-oriented, the evening and night-time hours present a much higher risk for residential burglary and vehicle-related offences. Residents should ensure their security measures are effective throughout the 24-hour cycle.

Nearby Areas

Rural Harborough covers a broad geographic area, and its safety profile is consistently high across the region. With a crime rate of 49.1 per 1,000 and a safety score of 88/100, it provides a secure environment that compares favourably to more densely populated urban centres. While specific nearby settlements like Billesdon (36.8) and Houghton on the Hill (52.3) show slight variations, the rural parts of the local authority maintain a high standard of safety. For residents and those considering the area, Rural Harborough offers a stable and secure alternative to the higher crime rates often found in larger towns and cities.

Proactive Protection for Rural Harborough Residents

In Rural Harborough, where property crime is relatively low but burglary and vehicle crime still account for a significant portion of reports, homeowners should consider the benefits of advanced security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime that has already occurred. In a rural setting, where police response times may be longer, preventing a crime from happening is far more valuable than simply recording it.

scOS provides a proactive, AI-powered security solution designed to stop threats at the property line. By monitoring boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential intruders the moment they arrive. It doesn't just watch; it uses autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter criminals before they can attempt a break-in. For Rural Harborough residents, this means that opportunistic thieves or trespassers are discouraged within seconds. By focusing on boundary protection and real-time intervention, scOS provides a level of security that traditional recording devices cannot match, ensuring your home remains safe and secure.