North Lincolnshire Crime Rate

North Lincolnshire presents a safety profile that is largely in line with national averages, offering a relatively secure environment for its residents. The area's overall crime rate is 90.3 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 78/100, just one point shy of the UK average of 79. Perhaps most encouragingly, the region has seen a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with a 11.8% decrease in total crime year-over-year. The data, spanning December 2024 to November 2025, suggests that North Lincolnshire is becoming increasingly safe. The following sections provide a deeper analysis of local crime patterns, property safety, and practical advice for the community.

North Lincolnshire is a diverse local authority area that blends industrial heritage with expansive rural landscapes. The region is home to Scunthorpe, a major centre for the UK steel industry, which provides significant employment but also creates concentrated urban environments. Beyond the industrial hubs, the area features numerous market towns and villages, such as Brigg and Barton-upon-Humber, which serve as residential and commercial centres for the surrounding agricultural land.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its role as a transport corridor, with the M180 and the Humber Bridge connecting the region to major cities like Hull and Doncaster. The presence of international ports along the Humber also adds a transient element to the population. While many of the outlying villages maintain a quiet, rural character with very low crime rates, the more densely populated urban and industrial zones contribute more significantly to the overall figures. Economic factors related to the industrial sector and the mix of residential and commercial activities across the district play a key role in shaping the local safety profile.

In North Lincolnshire, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 41.2% of all recorded incidents, totalling 6,382 cases. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 9.6% and public order offences at 8.9%. These top three categories account for a significant portion of police activity in the region.

Property crime in North Lincolnshire, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 30.2 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting is a notable issue, representing 8.5% of total crime, while criminal damage and arson account for 8.3%. Burglary and vehicle crime are less frequent but still significant, making up 4.5% and 3.5% of total offences respectively. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most frequently recorded category, property-related offences like shoplifting and criminal damage remain persistent local concerns. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of criminal damage and burglary, ensuring that their properties are well-secured to deter opportunistic offenders who often target areas with lower perceived surveillance.

North Lincolnshire is experiencing a very positive shift in its safety profile, with a marked 11.8% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This downward trend is evident throughout the 12-month period from December 2024 to November 2025. The year started with relatively low figures, such as a rate of 6.3 per 1,000 in January 2025.

While there was a mid-year peak in July and August, reaching 8.6 and 8.5 per 1,000 respectively, the latter part of the year saw a steady decline. By November 2025, the rate had fallen back to 7.2 per 1,000. This sustained reduction across the year suggests that North Lincolnshire is becoming a safer place for its residents. For those living in the area, these statistics are a reassuring sign that criminal activity is being successfully curtailed, though continued vigilance during the typically busier summer months remains advisable.

North Lincolnshire sits in a varied regional context. When compared to its immediate neighbours, its crime rate of 90.3 per 1,000 appears higher than West Lindsey, the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Bassetlaw, all of which reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in the latest comparison data. However, it is important to note that North Lincolnshire contains several larger urban and industrial centres that naturally attract more reported incidents. In contrast, major nearby cities like Kingston upon Hull and Doncaster (also reporting 0.0 in this specific comparison set) typically face much higher urban crime challenges. This suggests that North Lincolnshire serves as a middle ground, offering more safety than the major cities while having a more active crime profile than the deeply rural surrounding districts.

With a property crime rate of 30.2 per 1,000 people in North Lincolnshire, homeowners should consider the effectiveness of their current security measures. While the area is generally safe, property-related offences like criminal damage and burglary still occur. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, often fail because they are reactive; they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed.

For those seeking true peace of mind, a proactive solution like scOS is recommended. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that transforms standard security into an active deterrent. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, it can identify suspicious activity in real-time. Instead of just recording an intruder, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating security lights or speakers to warn them off. This proactive approach is designed to prevent crime before it happens. In an area where shoplifting and criminal damage are the most common property crimes, having a system that actively protects the perimeter of your home or business is a significant advantage over traditional recording-only devices.

How To Keep Safe in North Lincolnshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in North Lincolnshire, accounting for 41.2% of the total. While many of these incidents are not random, it is always wise to take practical steps to ensure personal safety when out in the community.

1. When walking in town centres at night, try to stay in well-lit areas with active footfall and avoid using poorly lit underpasses or isolated paths.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings when using cash machines or handling valuables in public, and keep bags zipped and close to your body.
3. If you are out late, plan your journey in advance and let someone know when you expect to be home.
4. For business owners, be aware that shoplifting is a notable issue (8.5% of crime); ensure your premises have clear sightlines and visible security to deter theft.
5. Homeowners should ensure their properties are well-lit at night, as good external lighting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.