Waddington (North Kesteven) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Waddington (North Kesteven) recorded a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 45.6% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure, though a slight increase from December’s 3.4, reflects the area’s ongoing position as one of the UK’s safest communities. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.5% of all incidents — a share significantly lower than the UK’s 44% average. Anti-social behaviour followed at 15.4%, with drugs and vehicle crime each contributing 11.5% and 7.7% respectively. The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the lower incidence of shoplifting and public order offences compared to busier months aligns with fewer visitors and shorter daylight hours. However, the increase in vehicle crime and criminal damage may point to factors such as colder weather prompting more indoor activity or changes in local transport patterns. The area’s crime profile, characterised by low overall rates but a concentration of violent offences, suggests a mix of community resilience and targeted challenges. Given its rural-adjacent setting, the limited impact of large-scale urban crime types like burglary or theft from the person further reinforces the unique dynamics of this built-up area within North Kesteven.

The month-on-month increase in crime rate was driven by a doubling of vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, and the emergence of burglary — all rising from zero to one incident. This shift suggests a potential seasonal adjustment, as January’s shorter days and post-holiday environment may have altered local activity patterns. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 20%, and other theft fell by 50%, indicating that some crime types may be sensitive to factors like reduced retail footfall or seasonal event cancellations. The drug crime rate in Waddington was 43% above the UK average (0.3 vs 0.4 per 1,000), a stark contrast to the area’s otherwise strong performance. This anomaly could reflect localised pressures, such as proximity to transport routes or informal networks. The violent crime rate of 1.4 per 1,000 — 44% below the UK average — suggests that while violence remains the most common category, its incidence is significantly lower than in comparable areas. Residents may find the 1-in-270 monthly exposure rate (based on 26 crimes for 7,024 people) particularly relevant, as it illustrates the low likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life.

Waddington (North Kesteven) saw an 8.2% increase in its crime rate from 3.4 to 3.7 per 1,000 residents in January 2026 compared to December 2025. This rise, though modest, contrasts with the area’s continued status as one of the UK’s safest communities, remaining 45.6% below the national average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period — a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 7,024 residents. Monthly exposure calculations show that over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 270 residents, underscoring the relatively low frequency of incidents. When scaled to the local population, this suggests that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives, though the slight increase from the previous month warrants attention. The area’s crime profile remains heavily skewed toward violent offences, which account for 38.5% of all crimes, compared to the UK’s 44% share. This mix of crime types — with property crimes at 23% and anti-social behaviour at 15.4% — aligns with the characteristics of a small built-up area where community dynamics and local policing may influence crime patterns differently than in larger urban centres.