Sleaford Crime Rate

Sleaford, Lincolnshire, recorded a crime rate of 74.5 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure places Sleaford slightly below the UK average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000, and benefits from a safety score of 83/100, indicating a relatively safe environment. While these numbers offer a general overview, it’s important to examine the specific types of crimes occurring and understand recent trends to gain a more complete picture of safety within the area. Understanding these statistics empowers residents and visitors to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being.

The crime landscape in Sleaford is characterised by a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.9% of recorded incidents. These are followed by anti-social behaviour, representing 23.1% of crimes, and shoplifting, which contributes 14.3%. Overall property crime stands at 20.9 per 1,000 residents annually, reflecting a need for vigilance within the community. Further breakdowns reveal public order offences at 7.1%, criminal damage and arson at 4.7%, and other theft at 3.2%. While burglary is present at 2.7 per 1,000, vehicle crime accounts for 2.0%, and bicycle theft a smaller 0.6%. The range of offences underscores the complexities of ensuring safety in Sleaford, and suggests a need for targeted interventions.

Crime rates in Sleaford have been steadily decreasing over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, showing an overall reduction of 8.0% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations; for example, a peak in reported crimes occurred in March 2025 (7.5 per 1,000) and June 2025 (7.5 per 1,000), while lower figures were recorded in May 2025 (4.7 per 1,000) and September 2025 (5.2 per 1,000). This downward trend suggests ongoing efforts to improve community safety are having a positive impact, but continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to maintain this progress.

How To Keep Safe in Sleaford

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider walking with a friend or using well-populated routes. Shoplifting is also a concern; be mindful of your belongings when in public spaces. Secure your vehicles to prevent theft, ensuring windows and doors are locked and valuables are out of sight. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police; even seemingly minor incidents can contribute to a safer community. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to actively participate in crime prevention.

Crime in Sleaford exhibits a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 23% of incidents. Vehicle crime shows a higher prevalence overnight (12am - 6am), comprising 27% of those offences. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a notable portion of theft incidents (15%), while other crimes are more prevalent during the afternoon. Understanding these time-based trends can inform personal safety precautions and contribute to targeted crime prevention strategies.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Sleaford’s crime rate is notably different. Leasingham has a crime rate of 38.6 per 1,000, while Silk Willoughby and Greylees report significantly lower rates at 0.0 per 1,000. Ruskington’s rate sits at 40.6 per 1,000. This variation highlights the localised nature of crime and suggests that safety levels can differ considerably even within a small geographical area.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, takes a different approach. By utilising multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS proactively detects threats at your property boundary, often before a potential intruder even attempts entry. The system learns your family’s routines and recognises deliveries, minimising false alarms. Imagine: a potential burglar assessing your property - the visible presence of scOS, with its lights activating and speakers engaging, creates an element of surprise and often deters them from proceeding. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. If you’re looking for a serious level of protection, scOS offers a proactive solution beyond reactive recording.