King's Lynn Crime Rate

King's Lynn presents a stable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 111.0 per 1,000 residents. While this figure is higher than the UK average of 91.7, it is typical for a major commercial and administrative hub. The area maintains a safety score of 73/100, which is close to the UK average of 79. Furthermore, the area has seen a 4.6% decrease in crime over the past year, indicating a positive trend in local safety. This stability, combined with the manageable volume of incidents, makes King's Lynn a secure location for its residents. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types and identifies the specific times when different offences are most likely to occur.

In King's Lynn, the most frequent crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.1% of all reports (46.7 per 1,000), followed by shoplifting at 11.5% and anti-social behaviour at 11.5%. For those focused on property safety, the property crime rate is 34.1 per 1,000 residents. This includes 639 shoplifting offences, 262 incidents of other theft, 120 vehicle crimes, and 89 burglaries. Additionally, there were 439 reports of criminal damage and arson. While the overall property crime rate is close to the UK average of 32.3, the high volume of shoplifting and criminal damage indicates that both commercial and residential property are regular targets for opportunistic crime in this area. Residents should be aware that theft and damage are significant issues in the urban centre.

King's Lynn is currently experiencing a stable crime trend, with total offences dropping by 4.6% over the past year. Monthly data analysis shows that the crime rate was relatively consistent throughout 2025. The year saw minor peaks in March and May, both recording 10.2 per 1,000, while the rate remained steady in the latter half of the year, fluctuating between 8.5 and 9.4. This overall stability is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that King's Lynn remains a secure and manageable urban environment. For residents, this lack of major volatility in crime rates provides a high level of peace of mind and reinforces the area's reputation as a stable commercial hub.

How To Keep Safe in King's Lynn

Violence and sexual offences are the highest recorded crime type in King's Lynn. To stay safe, it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Sticking to well-lit paths and avoiding isolated areas can significantly reduce your risk.

Shoplifting is also a notable concern in King's Lynn, accounting for 11.5% of all crime. For local business owners, this means staying vigilant and perhaps investing in better retail security. For residents, the overall property crime rate of 34.1 per 1,000 indicates that theft is a concern. To protect your home and vehicle, always ensure they are locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight. Vehicle crime is less common but still present; ensure your car is locked and no valuables are visible. Burglary is also a factor, so simple steps like using timer lights when you're away and ensuring all windows are secure can go a long way in deterring opportunistic thieves. Participating in a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help keep the community informed and safe. Many vehicle crimes in King's Lynn occur at night, so ensuring your driveway is well-lit and monitored during these hours is particularly important.

King's Lynn's crime data reveals distinct temporal trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 45% and 46% of all crimes respectively. This coincides with the busiest shopping and working hours in the town centre. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward 'Other' categories, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, accounting for a high 63% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 25% of all offences, and burglary peaks at 13%. These patterns suggest that while theft is a daytime issue, the risk to residential property and vehicles is highest when the streets are quietest. Understanding these trends allows residents to be more vigilant during specific high-risk periods.

King's Lynn is the most active settlement in the local authority district. Its crime rate of 111.0 per 1,000 is significantly higher than nearby residential areas such as Clenchwarton (32.0), Middleton (34.8), and West Winch (29.3). It is also more active than the very small, quiet settlement of North Runcton, which recorded no crimes during the same period. For a major town, King's Lynn provides a dynamic environment with more activity than its rural neighbours. The recent 4.6% decrease in crime is a positive trend that residents should monitor when comparing King's Lynn to these nearby areas. For those looking for a quieter, lower-crime environment, the surrounding suburbs offer highly secure residential alternatives.

With a property crime rate of 34.1 per 1,000 residents, property owners in King's Lynn should be mindful of security, especially given that shoplifting and criminal damage are significant local concerns. Many traditional systems, like DIY smart cameras, are reactive—they notify you only after someone has already stepped onto your property or tried your door handle. In King's Lynn, where theft and damage are notable property concerns, proactive deterrence is key. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using advanced AI to monitor your entire property boundary, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour in real-time. If an unknown person is loitering near your home or vehicle at night, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights and audible warnings. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to abandon their attempt. For King's Lynn homeowners, scOS provides a professional-grade layer of protection that prioritises prevention over mere recording.