North Kesteven Crime Rate

North Kesteven is a secure and predominantly rural local authority with a high safety score of 88/100. The area's overall crime rate is 50.4 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. Crime trends in North Kesteven are currently stable, showing a minor 4.1% decrease over the last year. Property crime is particularly low, with a rate of 13.8 per 1,000 people, far outperforming the national average of 32.9. While violence and sexual offences are the most common reports, followed by anti-social behaviour, the overall volume of crime across all categories remains low for a population of 122,468. North Kesteven continues to be one of the safest and most desirable regions in Lincolnshire.

North Kesteven is a predominantly rural local authority in Lincolnshire, characterised by its picturesque villages, productive agricultural land, and the historic market town of Sleaford. The area has a relatively stable and low population density, which contributes to its reputation as a safe and peaceful region. Key economic drivers include agriculture, food manufacturing, and several RAF bases, which bring a transient but disciplined population to the area.

Demographically, North Kesteven has a higher-than-average percentage of retirees and families, who are attracted to the area's excellent schools and quality of life. The commercial activity is largely concentrated in Sleaford and North Hykeham, with tourism playing a smaller but significant role in the rural economy. These factors—low population density, a strong sense of community, and a lack of large, high-density urban centres—all contribute to the area's low crime rate and high safety score. The local economy is generally stable, which further reduces the economic drivers of criminal activity.

In North Kesteven, violence and sexual offences are the most significant crime category, accounting for 38.1% of all recorded incidents with 2,350 cases. Anti-social behaviour is also a major factor at 24.2%, while shoplifting ranks third at 7.2%. Together, these three categories make up nearly 70% of the area's total crime.

The property crime rate in North Kesteven is exceptionally low at 13.8 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half the UK average of 32.9. This total includes 443 shoplifting incidents, 440 cases of criminal damage and arson, 352 incidents of other theft, 211 burglaries, and 193 vehicle crimes. For residents and homeowners, this suggests that while the area is generally very safe, violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequent concerns. The low rate of burglary and vehicle crime indicates that high-value property theft is relatively rare, but the presence of criminal damage highlights the importance of maintaining a visible security presence to deter opportunistic vandalism.

The crime trend in North Kesteven is currently stable, with a 4.1% reduction in total offences year-over-year. A review of the monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in July and August 2025 at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, likely reflecting seasonal activity. In contrast, the rate was lowest in February 2025, dropping to 3.5 per 1,000. Throughout the rest of the year, the rate has generally remained between 3.8 and 4.6. This overall stable trend suggests that North Kesteven remains a safe and secure environment with no significant upward pressure on criminal activity.

In the context of the surrounding region, North Kesteven is a relatively safe choice. While direct comparisons with nearby Lincoln, South Kesteven, and Boston are not possible with the current data, North Kesteven is historically one of the safest districts in Lincolnshire. It provides a strong balance of rural life and respectable safety standards compared to its more urban neighbours. For those seeking the lowest possible crime statistics in the region, North Kesteven remains a top choice for families and retirees alike.

With a property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 people, North Kesteven is statistically very safe, but the prevalence of anti-social behaviour (24.2% of total crime) and criminal damage (7.1%) suggests that boundary protection is important. Traditional security cameras, like those from Ring or Nest, are often reactive—they alert you once someone is already at your door or after an incident has occurred. For true prevention, a proactive system is necessary.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property's entire perimeter in real-time. Unlike standard systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the boundary, allowing for intervention before a crime is committed. It learns your family's routines and delivery patterns, ensuring you only receive alerts for genuine threats. In a region like North Kesteven, where the sense of community is strong, scOS's autonomous response capabilities—such as triggering lights and speakers—can deter intruders instantly, helping to maintain the high safety standards of your home and neighbourhood. Moving from recording crime to preventing it is the most effective way to protect your property.

How To Keep Safe in North Kesteven

The most common crime in North Kesteven is violence and sexual offences. While the overall volume is low, personal safety should always be a priority. When out in the area, especially during evening hours, try to stay on well-lit, familiar routes and avoid shortcuts through unlit footpaths. Keeping a charged mobile phone accessible and staying aware of your surroundings are simple but effective measures.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, so it is important to report any incidents to the local police, as this helps them monitor patterns and allocate resources. For residents, securing the perimeter of your home is key; installing motion-activated floodlights and ensuring that gates and fences are in good repair can act as a significant deterrent against both anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also help keep you informed of any suspicious activity in your community. Always trust your gut feeling; if you feel uncomfortable in a particular location, move to a more public, well-lit area as quickly as possible. Additionally, ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are removed, particularly at night. For business owners, being vigilant about shoplifting prevention can also help maintain the area's safe environment.