Lincoln Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Lincoln's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 10.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 36.3% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local dynamics, with violence and sexual offences (381 incidents) accounting for 33.2% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (242 incidents) at 21.1% and shoplifting (129 incidents) at 11.2%. The data aligns with seasonal patterns typical of a historic city with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where longer evenings and bank holidays in May may have contributed to increased social activity and associated risks. Violence and sexual offences in Lincoln are 29% above the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour is 73% above (1.3 per 1,000). Shoplifting, at 1.2 per 1,000, is 145% above the UK rate, a figure consistent with Lincoln's retail presence along the High Street and surrounding commercial areas. These patterns suggest that the city's economic hubs and public spaces remain focal points for certain types of crime, though the overall rate remains higher than the national benchmark. The seasonal context of May—characterised by extended daylight hours, increased foot traffic, and events such as the Lincolnshire Show—may have influenced these trends without further analysis.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in May 2023 was a 300% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, reflects a sharp shift in crime patterns and may signal increased vulnerability in public spaces during the warmer evenings. Concurrently, vehicle crime fell by 54.1% (from 37 to 17 incidents), a drop that could be attributed to reduced demand for car-related thefts during the spring season or improved security measures in parking areas. The category of burglary also saw a 40% decline (from 55 to 33 incidents), though this remains significantly lower than the UK average (0.3 per 1,000) and may indicate effective local policing or community initiatives. Shoplifting rates in Lincoln remain 145% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), a persistent issue that likely correlates with the city's high street retail activity. For residents, the 300% increase in theft from the person highlights the importance of vigilance in crowded areas, particularly during the evening hours when outdoor socialising intensifies.

Lincoln's crime rate in May 2023 (10.9 per 1,000) marked a 24.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 14.4 per 1,000. This reduction, while significant, still leaves the city 36.3% above the UK average, underscoring the need for continued vigilance. On a daily basis, Lincoln recorded an average of 37 crimes per day in May, a figure that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 92 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, remains a manageable statistic for a city of Lincoln's size (population: 105,114). The contrast between Lincoln's current rate and the previous month's rate suggests potential shifts in policing strategies, seasonal changes, or community-led efforts to address crime. For instance, the 54.1% drop in vehicle crime may reflect targeted interventions in car parks or increased use of security technology. However, the persistent gap between Lincoln's rates and the UK average—particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—highlights areas where sustained action may be required. These comparisons offer residents a clearer picture of how their local crime profile stacks up against both national benchmarks and recent local trends.