Waltham Crime Rate

Waltham's crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 residents is 64% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in the region. The most surprising finding is the 200% year-on-year increase in drug-related crime, which remains 86% below the national average. Despite this spike, overall crime has decreased by 9.4% compared to the previous year, highlighting a combination of factors influencing local crime dynamics.

Waltham is a built-up area within North East Lincolnshire, characterised by a mix of residential and commercial zones. Its proximity to larger urban centres and commuter routes may influence crime patterns, with retail and public spaces contributing to anti-social behaviour. The area's moderate population density and historical ties to industry likely shape its socioeconomic profile, affecting crime dynamics.

The most striking finding is the 200% year-on-year increase in drug-related crime, despite remaining 86% below the UK average. This sharp rise may reflect unmet demand for illicit substances in nearby areas or shifts in supply chains. Violence and sexual offences (16.2 per 1,000) are below the UK average (32.1), likely due to Waltham's lower population density and community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour (4.0 per 1,000) is 73% below the UK average, possibly linked to effective local policing and community engagement. Public order offences (3.8 per 1,000) have risen 18% YoY but remain below the UK average, tied to increased youth activity during term-time. Vehicle crime (0.6 per 1,000) is 87% below the UK average, suggesting secure parking infrastructure or low traffic congestion.

Crime in Waltham has decreased by 9.4% year-on-year, with the most significant change being the 200% increase in drug-related crime. This sharp rise in drugs (0.4 per 1,000) may reflect unmet demand from nearby areas or shifts in supply networks, despite remaining 86% below the UK average. Vehicle crime has fallen 69.2% YoY (0.6 per 1,000), likely due to improved parking infrastructure and lower traffic density. Other theft has decreased 47.6% (1.6 per 1,000), and burglary has dropped 37.5% (1.5 per 1,000). Monthly trends show a seasonal pattern, with crime peaking in March (4.4 per 1,000) and troughing in August (1.6 per 1,000), possibly linked to longer evenings and tourist activity.

How To Keep Safe in Waltham

For Waltham residents, focus on vehicle security given the 0.6 per 1,000 rate of vehicle crime. Park in well-lit areas with visible CCTV and avoid leaving valuables in cars. For theft prevention, secure bicycles (0.3 per 1,000 rate) with locks and store them indoors. Although drug crime has risen 200% YoY, Waltham's rate remains 86% below the UK average. Avoid isolated areas during late-night hours when burglary rates peak (31% of incidents between 12am-6am). For property crime, ensure doors and windows are locked even during the day, as 1.5 per 1,000 burglaries occur in Waltham.

Crime in Waltham follows distinct temporal patterns. Burglary peaks at night (31% of incidents between 12am-6am), aligning with isolated residential areas and limited street lighting. Theft occurs most frequently in the afternoon (37% between 12pm-6pm), likely tied to retail activity and public spaces. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (19% between 12am-6am), possibly due to unsecured parking. Other crimes (43% at night) may reflect late-night lone activity in sparsely populated zones. Weekends show higher burglary rates (23-31% in evenings/night) compared to weekdays, suggesting increased vulnerability during off-peak hours.

Waltham's crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 is significantly lower than nearby areas: Barnoldby le Beck (102.8 per 1,000) has a 215% higher rate, Holton le Clay (40.1 per 1,000) has 23% higher crime, and Humberston and New Waltham (39.1 per 1,000) has 20% higher crime. This contrast likely reflects Waltham's stronger community cohesion, lower population density, and effective local policing compared to its neighbours.

For Waltham residents, home security should focus on proactive measures aligned with local crime patterns. Given the area's low crime rate (32.6 per 1,000) and 92/100 safety score, scOS offers tailored protection. Its AI-powered perimeter detection can identify threats before burglaries occur, reducing false alarms by distinguishing regular visitors from potential intruders. With vehicle crime at 0.6 per 1,000 (87% below UK average), scOS's DVLA plate verification can flag suspicious vehicles. The system's automated lighting and speaker alerts provide deterrents without requiring constant monitoring, ensuring Waltham's safety remains uncompromised.