Lincoln Crime Rate

Lincoln's crime statistics, spanning from February 2025 to January 2026, paint a complex picture. With a crime rate of 148.0 per 1,000 residents, Lincoln experiences a considerably higher crime burden than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the importance of understanding the specific crime landscape within Lincoln and taking proactive steps to enhance safety. While the overall crime rate has decreased by 7.2% year-on-year, certain crime types remain a significant concern, demanding focused attention and preventative measures. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, trends, and practical advice for residents and visitors.

Lincoln's crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of certain offences. Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant portion, accounting for 31.9% of all crimes reported – a total of 5129 incidents. This is considerably higher than the UK average of 32.2%, with a rate of 47.3 per 1,000 residents, putting Lincoln 47% above the national benchmark. Anti-social behaviour is also a major factor, representing 23.8% of all crime, with 3813 incidents. The rate of 35.1 per 1,000 is significantly above the UK average of 14.8, showcasing a 137% increase. Shoplifting also contributes heavily, with 2348 crimes reported, representing 14.6% of all incidents and a rate of 21.6 per 1,000 – more than double the UK average of 7.6. Overall, property crime accounts for 47.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, indicating a need for targeted interventions.

While Lincoln’s overall crime rate has experienced a welcome decrease of 7.2% year-on-year from February 2025 to January 2026, the data reveals a nuanced picture. The months of July 2025 saw the highest monthly crime rate at 14.0 per 1,000, while February 2025 recorded the lowest at 11.0 per 1,000. Notably, theft from the person has plummeted by 54.4%, and burglary has decreased by 30.6%, demonstrating positive progress in these areas. However, anti-social behaviour has unfortunately increased by 11.1% year-on-year, requiring targeted intervention. This downward trend provides some reassurance, but ongoing vigilance and proactive crime prevention strategies remain essential.

How To Keep Safe in Lincoln

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, particularly when walking alone at night. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas. Due to the high rate of anti-social behaviour, consider joining or supporting local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system; the decrease in burglary rates (-30.6% YoY) is encouraging, but preventative measures remain vital. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly – your vigilance contributes to the safety of the entire community.

Criminal activity in Lincoln exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary tends to be more prevalent during the afternoon hours, while vehicle crime and other crimes are more common overnight. The evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am, see a heightened risk of violence, underscoring the need for increased awareness and caution during these times. Understanding these patterns can help individuals make informed decisions about their safety and security.

Lincoln’s crime rate is higher than several neighbouring local authorities. Skellingthorpe boasts the lowest crime rate at 39.9 per 1,000 residents, while North Hykeham records a rate of 50.3 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the varying levels of safety across the region, offering a relative perspective on Lincoln's crime statistics.

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