Leicester Crime Rate

Leicester’s crime statistics, covering the period from February 2025 to January 2026, reveal a crime rate of 120.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure places Leicester above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, suggesting a higher incidence of criminal activity. While crime has shown a stable trend, decreasing by 1.9% year-on-year, certain crime types, particularly violence and sexual offences, remain a significant concern. Understanding these trends and potential contributing factors is crucial for residents and local authorities in developing effective preventative strategies and fostering a safer community.

Leicester exhibits a varied crime landscape. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 35.0% of all recorded incidents (17,759 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 13.5% (6,843 crimes), reflecting potential issues related to public spaces and community interaction. Public order offences represent 9.9% of crimes (5,028), suggesting challenges in maintaining peaceful environments. Criminal damage and arson (8.8%), shoplifting (7.2%), and other theft (6.3%) also contribute significantly to the overall crime statistics. The prevalence of these crime types highlights the need for targeted preventative measures and community engagement initiatives to address underlying issues and enhance public safety.

Crime in Leicester has exhibited a stable trend, decreasing by 1.9% year-on-year. While this represents a slight improvement, monthly crime rates demonstrate fluctuation. For example, the rate peaked at 11.3 per 1,000 in May 2025 and dipped to 8.6 per 1,000 in December 2025. This variability underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive crime prevention strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Leicester

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night is crucial. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit, populated routes. With theft being a common occurrence, secure your valuables and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas. Home security is also vital; ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly to help maintain a safe community.

The timing of crimes in Leicester varies throughout the day and night. Burglary is most frequent during the overnight hours (12am-6am), with a significant proportion of vehicle crime also occurring during this period. Theft tends to peak in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), likely coinciding with commercial activity and increased foot traffic. Violence and anti-social behaviour are more common in the evening (6pm-12am), particularly on weekends, indicating a potential correlation with nightlife and social gatherings.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Leicester's crime rate is notably higher. Wigston records a crime rate of 75.5 per 1,000, while Leicester Forest East and Kirby Muxloe show a lower rate of 57.1 per 1,000. Birstall and Oadby also present lower crime rates at 54.8 and 54.0 per 1,000 respectively, highlighting a disparity in safety levels across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred. scOS, however, proactively prevents crime. Its AI-powered system detects potential threats at the property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles simultaneously. The DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises familiar faces and routines, minimising false alarms. This autonomous response, with lights activating and speakers engaging, creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential burglars within those critical first 60 seconds – the timeframe most burglars decide whether to proceed. While DIY security systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS offers a demonstrably higher level of protection, signalling to potential criminals that your property is heavily secured.