Lincoln Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

May 2025 saw Lincoln's crime rate reach 13.0 per 1,000 residents, a level 60.5% above the UK average of 8.1. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.8% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (26.4%), and shoplifting (14.6%). This pattern aligns with Lincoln's character as a historic city with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where high foot traffic in the town centre may contribute to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely amplifies incidents of violence and public order offences. While the overall crime rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, some categories, such as vehicle crime, fall below national levels, possibly due to Lincoln's lower density of car parks and commuter traffic compared to larger urban centres. The persistent gap between Lincoln's rates and the UK average suggests ongoing challenges in addressing local crime drivers, including alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and the need for enhanced policing in high-risk areas. These findings must be viewed through the lens of Lincoln's unique socio-economic profile, which includes a university population and a mix of retail and residential zones.

The most striking month-on-month change in May 2025 was a 58.3% increase in robbery, rising from 12 to 19 incidents. This jump, combined with a 100% rise in theft from the person (from 1 to 2), signals a sharp uptick in personal safety concerns. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime type at 26.4% of total incidents, 139% above the UK average. Meanwhile, bicycle theft fell by 40.9% (from 22 to 13), possibly linked to seasonal changes in outdoor activity. The breakdown also reveals that shoplifting (14.6% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour are both over 180% and 139% above UK averages respectively, highlighting areas for targeted policing. These figures contrast with vehicle crime, which is 50% below the UK average, suggesting differences in local transport patterns. Residents may find the 58.3% increase in robbery particularly concerning, as it represents a significant shift from the previous month's figures.

Lincoln's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 13.0 per 1,000 residents, a 10.3% increase from 11.8 per 1,000 in April. This shift places the area 60.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a gap that has widened over recent months. Daily crime activity averaged 44 incidents per day, translating to one reported crime for every 77 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate highlights the persistent presence of crime in the local community, though it remains a snapshot rather than a daily frequency. The population context shows that Lincoln's 105,114 residents face a higher-than-average risk compared to the UK as a whole. While some categories, such as vehicle crime, fall below the UK average, the overall pattern reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's urban density and seasonal activity levels. This comparison underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories like anti-social behaviour and violence.