Sleaford Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Sleaford

Sleaford, a prominent built-up area within North Kesteven, records an overall crime rate of 76.0 crimes per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Sleaford below the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. The area achieves a strong safety score of 83 out of 100, surpassing the national average of 78. Encouragingly, Sleaford has experienced a decreasing trend in crime, with a 5.8% reduction year-over-year. These statistics offer a clear overview of the current crime situation, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of specific crime types and trends within the area.

Crime Breakdown in Sleaford

In Sleaford, Violence and sexual offences represent the most common crime type, accounting for 501 incidents, or 36.9% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 28.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent, with 320 crimes, making up 23.6% of the total at 17.9 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks third, with 152 reported crimes, comprising 11.2% of the total, at a rate of 8.5 per 1,000.

Focusing on property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—Sleaford experiences a rate of 20.2 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific figures show burglary at 1.9 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.6 per 1,000, and other theft at 2.9 per 1,000. These statistics suggest that while property crime exists, Sleaford residents face a lower risk compared to many other parts of the UK, highlighting the importance of preventative measures, particularly for retail businesses and vehicle owners.

Crime Trends in Sleaford

Sleaford has seen a positive trend in its crime rates, with an encouraging decrease of 5.8% year-over-year. A closer look at the monthly data reveals fluctuations but an overall downward trajectory. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 7.8 in October 2024 and generally varied, with a notable dip to 4.7 in December 2024 and May 2025. Peaks were observed in November 2024 (7.9) and March/June 2025 (7.5). The period concluded with a rate of 5.2 in September 2025. This pattern suggests that while monthly crime can fluctuate, Sleaford has demonstrated a consistent effort in reducing overall criminal activity, contributing to a safer environment for its residents.

Crime Time Patterns in Sleaford

Crime in Sleaford exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day and night. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 39% of crimes, followed by other crime types at 36%. Burglary makes up 13% and vehicle crime 13%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a similar dominance of theft at 41%, with other crime types at 34%, and burglary at 21%. Vehicle crime significantly decreases to 4% in the afternoon. As the evening approaches (6pm-12am), other crime types become the majority at 56%, while theft drops to 15%, and vehicle crime rises to 12%. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different picture, with other crime types still high at 39%, but vehicle crime peaking at 31%, and burglary at 22%, as properties are often unattended.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To understand Sleaford's crime landscape in context, it's helpful to compare it with surrounding areas. Leasingham, a smaller village, typically presents lower overall crime rates, though property crime can still occur. Silk Willoughby and Greylees, both smaller residential areas, generally exhibit very low crime figures, reflecting their quieter nature. Ruskington, another nearby village, often shares similar crime patterns to Sleaford but with potentially lower overall volumes due to its size. Sleaford, as a larger built-up area and local hub, naturally experiences higher crime volumes and rates than these smaller neighbours, particularly in categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour due to its commercial and social activity.

Protecting Your Property in Sleaford

With a property crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents in Sleaford, which is lower than the national average, it's still vital for homeowners to consider robust security measures. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, often provide only reactive recording, giving you footage of a burglary after it has occurred. For true peace of mind, a proactive approach to security is essential.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to actively prevent crime before it happens. Unlike standard cameras, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property boundary simultaneously, detecting potential threats in real-time. Its advanced features, including DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, can differentiate between genuine threats and routine activities, ensuring you only receive alerts for real risks. When a threat is detected, scOS can initiate an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to deter intruders instantly. This professional-grade deterrence makes burglars move on within 60 seconds, offering a significant advantage over systems that merely record. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.