Lincoln Crime Rate

Understanding Crime Statistics in Lincoln

Lincoln, with a population of 105,114, reports an overall crime rate of 156.2 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated level of criminal activity. The city's safety score is assessed at 66 out of 100, which is above the general UK average of 78/100, suggesting areas for improvement in overall security perceptions. In terms of recent trends, Lincoln has experienced a stable period, with a modest decrease of 3.8% in its year-over-year crime rate. This introduction sets the stage for a more detailed examination of specific crime types, local trends, and comparative insights within the region.

About Lincoln's Crime Landscape

Lincoln, a historic cathedral city, serves as a significant administrative and commercial hub within Lincolnshire. Its urban character, combined with a vibrant city centre that includes retail, hospitality, and a university, naturally contributes to the types and volume of crime observed. The presence of a substantial student population and a thriving nightlife can lead to increased instances of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Furthermore, as a transport hub with a busy train station and major road networks, Lincoln experiences a transient population which can influence crime statistics, particularly those related to theft and vehicle crime. Economic factors, such as varying levels of deprivation within certain areas, can also play a role in the prevalence of property crime and other offences, shaping the overall safety profile of the district.

Lincoln's Crime Type Analysis

An in-depth look at crime in Lincoln reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 32.9% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 51.3 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, making up 23.0% of the total crimes at 35.9 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks as the third most common offence, representing 14.4% of crimes, or 22.5 per 1,000 residents. These top three categories highlight key challenges for the community.

Beyond these specific types, property-related crime is a notable concern for residents and homeowners. This broad category, encompassing burglary (3.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.9 per 1,000), other theft (6.8 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (11.2 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.9 per 1,000), robbery (1.3 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.4 per 1,000), collectively contributes to a property crime rate of 50.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating that residents, particularly those with homes and vehicles, face a comparatively elevated risk from opportunistic and organised property-related offences. Understanding these patterns is crucial for informed safety measures.

Analysing Crime Trends in Lincoln

Lincoln has experienced a period of relative stability in its crime landscape, with the overall crime rate showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 3.8%. This suggests that while crime levels remain elevated compared to national averages, there has not been a significant upward or downward surge in the past year. Examining the monthly trend data provides further insight into these patterns. Between October 2024 and September 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated. It peaked in July 2025 at 14.5 and November 2024 at 14.4, while reaching its lowest point in February 2025 at 11.4. This fluctuation, despite the overall stable trend, indicates seasonal variations or specific local events influencing crime. For residents, a stable trend means that the general risk profile has remained consistent, but awareness of these monthly variations can still be valuable for understanding local safety dynamics throughout the year.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is valuable to compare Lincoln's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. North Kesteven, West Lindsey, Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw, East Lindsey, and Boston each present a unique safety profile. While specific figures for these areas are not detailed here, understanding their proximity and demographic similarities or differences can offer residents a broader perspective on regional safety. For instance, more rural districts like parts of North Kesteven or West Lindsey might typically exhibit lower overall crime rates compared to the urban centre of Lincoln, particularly for offences associated with population density and commercial activity. Conversely, other market towns or districts with similar socio-economic factors might face comparable challenges. This comparison helps to contextualise Lincoln's crime rate within the broader Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire regions, enabling residents to gauge their local safety against a wider geographical backdrop.

Enhancing Your Property Protection in Lincoln

Given Lincoln's property crime rate of 50.1 per 1,000, which is higher than the UK average, proactive home security is a pertinent consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV systems can provide footage after a burglary, true peace of mind comes from prevention. This is where advanced solutions, such as an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, offer a distinct advantage. Instead of merely recording an event, scOS is designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they even gain entry.

The limitation of reactive security is that it often notifies you after the fact. However, with professional-grade, proactive deterrence, the element of surprise is destroyed, and most burglars, who decide within 60 seconds, will simply move on. Systems like scOS utilise multi-camera intelligence, pattern learning to recognise routines, and autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers. This approach contrasts sharply with basic DIY systems that may only alert you post-incident. For homeowners in Lincoln looking for robust protection against property crime, investing in a system that prevents rather than just records offers a significantly enhanced level of security.