Washingborough and Heighington Crime Rate

Washingborough and Heighington are among the safest settlements in the region, with an overall crime rate of just 31.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an impressive safety score of 92/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a marginal year-over-year change of 0.4%, indicating a highly consistent safety environment for the 7,081 residents. While the area is exceptionally secure compared to national figures, understanding the local crime breakdown is essential for maintaining this high level of safety. The following data explores the specific types of incidents reported and the patterns of activity within these villages.

Crime Breakdown in Washingborough and Heighington

The crime profile for Washingborough and Heighington is heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which constitute 46.9% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 19.5%, followed by other theft at 8.4%. These figures reflect an area that is generally very safe but experiences occasional personal and public order disputes.

Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, criminal damage, arson, and theft—occurs at a rate of 7.5 per 1,000 people. Within this category, criminal damage and arson represent 7.1% of total crime, while burglary accounts for 4.9%. Vehicle crime is notably low, making up just 1.8% of the total. For residents, the primary property-related concern is burglary, which shows a higher percentage relative to other property crimes, suggesting that home security should remain a priority for homeowners in these villages.

Crime Trends in Washingborough and Heighington

The crime trend in Washingborough and Heighington is remarkably stable, with a year-over-year increase of just 0.4%. This indicates that the local safety environment is consistent and that criminal activity is not escalating. Monthly data reveals that crime rates remained low throughout 2024 and 2025, with the lowest rates recorded in April (1.8) and September (1.8) of 2025.

There were slight increases in activity during the winter and spring, with rates reaching 3.5 in both December 2024 and March 2025. However, these fluctuations are minor and do not represent a significant departure from the area's overall low-crime status. For residents, this long-term stability provides reassurance that the villages remain a secure place to live, with local crime patterns remaining predictable and manageable over time.

How To Keep Safe in Washingborough and Heighington

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in the area. While the overall numbers remain low, personal safety and awareness are important. To stay safe in the community, consider these practical steps:

• Be mindful of your surroundings when walking between the two villages, particularly on less-frequented footpaths or during hours of darkness.
• Ensure that your home's external lighting is in good working order, as well-lit entryways can deter anti-social behaviour and personal approach.
• Participate in local neighbourhood watch schemes or community social media groups to stay informed about any unusual activity in the area.
• If you are socialising in local venues, always plan your route home and avoid walking alone if possible, especially late at night.
• Report incidents of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as early intervention can prevent these issues from escalating into more serious offences.

Time Patterns of Crime in Washingborough and Heighington

Criminal activity in Washingborough and Heighington follows a pattern closely tied to the time of day. Morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) periods are dominated by theft, which accounts for 54% of crimes in both windows. This likely reflects opportunistic incidents during typical business and commuting hours.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the focus shifts towards "Other" crime types, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 41% of incidents. This period also sees a rise in burglary, accounting for 27% of reports. The night-time hours (12am-6am) are particularly significant for property owners, as burglary peaks at 35% of all reported crimes during this time. Additionally, 20% of vehicle crimes occur overnight. These patterns suggest that while daytime theft is a concern, the most serious property threats occur under the cover of darkness, highlighting the importance of robust overnight security.

Washingborough and Heighington compare very favourably to their immediate neighbours. With a rate of 31.9 per 1,000, they are significantly safer than Branston (56.6) and Cherry Willingham (40.4). Like many areas in the North Kesteven district, they offer a peaceful alternative to the city of Lincoln, where the crime rate is much higher at 150.2. While the nearby rural hamlets of North Greetwell and Fiskerton reported no crimes, Washingborough and Heighington remain some of the most secure larger villages in the regional context, offering a high quality of life with very low criminal activity.

Protecting Your Property in Washingborough and Heighington

With a property crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 and a safety score of 92, Washingborough and Heighington are low-crime areas, but the statistics show that burglary still accounts for nearly 5% of local incidents. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, often fail to prevent these crimes, merely providing evidence after the event. For residents in these villages, the goal is to maintain the area's high safety standards by preventing incidents altogether.

The scOS security operating system uses proactive AI to identify threats at the property boundary. Instead of waiting for a break-in to trigger an alert, scOS monitors all cameras simultaneously to detect unusual patterns and unauthorised individuals before they reach your home. This is particularly effective given that 35% of local burglaries occur during the night. By engaging autonomous responses like lights and speakers, scOS removes the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Investing in professional-grade, proactive protection signals that your property is not an easy target, encouraging opportunists to move on and ensuring your home remains part of this exceptionally safe community.