Lincoln Crime Rate

Lincoln exhibits a crime rate of 148.5 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a greater prevalence of criminal activity within the city. While crime statistics fluctuate month to month, the overall trend has been decreasing, with a reduction of 7.8% year-on-year. The most frequently reported crimes involve violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Understanding these trends and the contributing factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to enhance safety and security within Lincoln.

Lincoln's crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.2% of all recorded incidents (5194 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is also a significant issue, with 3794 reported cases, representing 23.5% of the total. Shoplifting contributes a further 14.6%, with 2348 incidents. The breakdown highlights the multifaceted nature of crime within the city, ranging from serious violent offences to more minor issues like shoplifting. Public order offences, criminal damage, and other forms of theft also contribute to the overall crime landscape, underlining the need for targeted interventions and community engagement to address these varied challenges. The specific combination of these crime types reflects the unique social and economic conditions present in Lincoln.

Crime rates in Lincoln have been steadily decreasing since January 2025. While some months experienced slight fluctuations, the overall trend shows a consistent reduction. For example, crime rates peaked in July 2025 at 14.0 per 1,000, but have since decreased to 12.1 per 1,000 in December 2025. This downward trend suggests that ongoing crime prevention strategies are having a positive impact on community safety. However, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to maintain this progress and address emerging crime patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Lincoln

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid dimly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. To mitigate the risk of shoplifting, be mindful of your belongings when shopping and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes, which foster community cohesion and provide an extra layer of vigilance. Furthermore, secure your home with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system, as burglary remains a concern. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly.

Crimes in Lincoln exhibit varying patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 13% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Shoplifting is most prevalent during commercial hours (9am - 5pm), reflecting the busy retail environment. Vehicle crime is notably higher during the night (12am - 6am), suggesting opportunities for opportunistic theft. Overall, understanding these temporal trends is crucial for targeted crime prevention efforts.

Compared to surrounding areas, Lincoln's crime rate is higher than North Hykeham (50.2 per 1,000) but significantly higher than Canwick (0.0 per 1,000) and Skellingthorpe (39.9 per 1,000) and Bracebridge Heath (41.5 per 1,000). This variation underscores the localised nature of crime and the importance of targeted interventions in specific neighbourhoods. The contrasting figures highlight the diverse safety profiles of communities within the wider Lincoln area.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. scOS, however, operates differently. It leverages AI-powered technology to proactively detect threats at your property boundary, preventing incidents before they escalate. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras, which simply record, scOS actively watches all cameras simultaneously, utilizing DVLA vehicle verification to instantly identify suspicious vehicles and learning your family’s routines to distinguish genuine activity from potential threats. The visible presence of scOS – its multi-camera intelligence and autonomous response – creates a significant deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions within that critical 60-second window. While DIY systems can alert you after an incident, scOS intervenes in real-time, providing a level of protection rarely achievable with conventional methods. If you’re seeking a truly proactive approach to home security in Lincoln, considering the local crime statistics, scOS offers a significant upgrade.