Cleethorpes Crime Rate

Cleethorpes stands out in the UK for its extremely high shoplifting rate, which is 206% above the national average. With an overall crime rate of 148.3 per 1,000 — 63% higher than the UK average — the area faces significant challenges in retail crime. This is exacerbated by an 11.1% year-on-year increase in total crime, driven by a sharp 139.6% rise in shoplifting. These trends highlight the need for targeted safety measures in a coastal area with high foot traffic and seasonal tourism.

Cleethorpes is a coastal built-up area in North East Lincolnshire, blending residential communities with commercial hubs and tourist attractions. Its proximity to the Humber Estuary and historic landmarks like the Cleethorpes Castle draw visitors year-round, contributing to foot traffic that may influence retail crime rates. The area’s mix of older housing stock and newer developments, combined with a relatively young population, likely shapes its crime profile, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour being more prevalent in high-traffic zones.

The most striking finding in Cleethorpes’ crime data is the extreme elevation in shoplifting, which occurs at 23.0 per 1,000 — 206% above the UK average of 7.5. This stark disparity likely reflects the area’s retail density and tourist activity, where high foot traffic in commercial centres creates opportunities for opportunistic theft. Other crime, at 4.3 per 1,000 (115% above the UK average), may be linked to anti-social behaviour in public spaces, exacerbated by the area’s nightlife and younger demographics. Violence and sexual offences, while 38.6% of total crimes, are slightly below the UK average rate (32.1 per 1,000), possibly due to lower population density compared to major urban centres. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting (+139.6% YoY) suggests a worsening trend in retail crime, which may spill over into other categories like theft from the person or burglary as opportunistic criminals seek alternative targets.

Crime in Cleethorpes has risen by 11.1% year-on-year, with shoplifting surging by 139.6% — the most dramatic increase of any crime category. This sharp rise likely reflects seasonal tourism spikes, as Cleethorpes’ coastal attractions draw visitors during peak months like August (14.5 per 1,000/month). The monthly trend shows a steady climb from March 2025 (12.3 per 1,000) to February 2026 (11.3 per 1,000), peaking in August, possibly due to increased retail activity and transient populations. While anti-social behaviour has risen by 24.2% YoY, other categories like burglary and vehicle crime have also increased, suggesting broader systemic challenges in crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Cleethorpes

Residents should focus on mitigating risks linked to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In high-foot-traffic areas, avoid leaving valuables in visible car compartments and consider using anti-theft vehicle tracking devices. For homes, scOS’s boundary detection can deter opportunistic theft by triggering lights and speakers at the property’s perimeter. Anti-social behaviour peaks in evenings, so avoid poorly lit areas after dark and report suspicious activity via local Neighbourhood Watch groups. Given shoplifting’s 139.6% YoY increase, retailers should install AI-powered surveillance and collaborate with police to monitor hotspots.

Crime in Cleethorpes exhibits distinct patterns across the day and week. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), likely due to high pedestrian activity in retail and tourist areas, while vehicle crime spikes overnight (12am-6am), reflecting the vulnerability of parked vehicles in poorly lit residential zones. Anti-social behaviour is most common during evenings and nights, aligning with the area’s nightlife and social hubs. Burglary rates remain relatively stable throughout the day, but the evening (6pm-12am) sees a slight increase, possibly linked to targeted break-ins in quieter residential areas. These patterns highlight the interplay between Cleethorpes’ geography, economic activity, and the timing of criminal opportunities.

Compared to nearby areas, Cleethorpes has a significantly higher crime rate than Humberston and New Waltham (39.1 per 1,000) and Waltham (32.6 per 1,000), with rates 279% and 355% higher respectively. Grimsby, the highest-crime neighbour, has a rate of 159.3 per 1,000 — 7% higher than Cleethorpes. These differences likely reflect variations in population density, economic activity, and policing resources, with Cleethorpes’ coastal tourism and retail hubs contributing to its elevated crime profile.

For Cleethorpes households, shoplifting’s 206% above-UK-average rate (23.0 per 1,000) demands proactive security, scOS addresses this by using AI to monitor boundaries and detect suspicious activity around properties, triggering automated deterrents before theft occurs. Multi-camera monitoring ensures comprehensive coverage of retail areas and homes, while DVLA vehicle registration checks flag potential threats at the perimeter. These features are especially relevant for Cleethorpes, where shoplifting’s sharp increase (+139.6% YoY) suggests a need for real-time intervention to prevent spillover into residential crime.