Scunthorpe Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe, a Built-Up Area within North Lincolnshire, experiences an overall crime rate of 134.4 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a population of 81,651, Scunthorpe records a safety score of 68 out of 100, which is below the national average of 78, indicating that residents may perceive the area as less safe than many other parts of the UK. Despite this, the area has seen a positive development over the last year, with its crime rate decreasing by 9.4%. This reduction suggests ongoing efforts to improve local safety and provides a crucial context for understanding the detailed crime data presented for Scunthorpe.

Crime Type Analysis in Scunthorpe

In Scunthorpe, the most significant crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Shoplifting, and Anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest category, accounting for 39.7% of all crimes with 4,357 incidents, translating to 53.4 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting is the second most common, making up 10.5% of crimes with 1,152 incidents (14.1 per 1,000), followed closely by Anti-social behaviour at 9.4% with 1,030 incidents (12.6 per 1,000). These figures highlight key challenges in the area, particularly concerning personal safety and retail security.

Property-related crime in Scunthorpe, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 47.4 per 1,000 people. This is considerably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific breakdown shows 486 burglaries (6.0 per 1,000), 368 vehicle crimes (4.5 per 1,000), and 658 other theft incidents (8.1 per 1,000). The elevated property crime rate suggests that residents and homeowners in Scunthorpe should be particularly vigilant and consider robust security measures to protect their assets.

Crime Trends in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe has experienced a positive shift in its crime landscape, with a year-over-year decrease of 9.4% in its overall crime rate. This downward trend indicates an improving safety situation for residents compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly crime rates reveals fluctuations but a general decline. For example, the crime rate per 1,000 residents was 12.4 in October 2024 and 11.9 in November, before dropping to 9.4 in December and 9.2 in January 2025. While there was an increase to 11.7 in March 2025 and a peak of 12.6 in August 2025, the rate concluded at 11.3 in September 2025, remaining lower than the previous year.

This consistent reduction in crime rates is a reassuring development for the community. It suggests that local initiatives and policing efforts are having a measurable impact on public safety. Residents can take some comfort in this improving trend, though continued awareness and preventative measures remain important for maintaining a secure environment.

Crime Time Patterns in Scunthorpe

Understanding when crimes typically occur in Scunthorpe can help residents enhance their personal safety and home security. Analysis of crime patterns throughout the day reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity. The morning hours (6am-12pm) often see a significant proportion of theft-related offences, particularly as commercial areas become active. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains prevalent, often coinciding with peak shopping hours and increased public movement.

The evening period (6pm-12am) brings a shift in the crime landscape. While theft-related incidents are still present, there is often an increase in other crime types, potentially linked to social activities and nightlife. The night hours (12am-6am) are typically characterised by a higher incidence of crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime, as properties are often unattended and streets are quieter, providing opportunities for such offences. Awareness of these time-specific patterns allows residents to adjust their vigilance and security measures accordingly.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Scunthorpe's crime statistics with those of neighbouring Built-Up Areas. Scunthorpe's overall crime rate of 134.4 per 1,000 residents and safety score of 68/100 indicate a higher crime incidence compared to its immediate neighbours. Areas such as Gunness, Amcotts, Messingham, and Burringham generally exhibit lower crime rates and higher safety scores, reflecting a differing urban or rural dynamic.

For instance, Messingham, with a significantly lower crime rate, presents a contrast. This comparison highlights Scunthorpe's position as a more urbanised centre within the North Lincolnshire local authority, often associated with a higher volume of certain crime types. Understanding these local variations helps residents and visitors alike to gauge the relative safety of Scunthorpe within its immediate geographical context.

Protecting Your Home in Scunthorpe

With Scunthorpe's property crime rate of 47.4 per 1,000 people, which is considerably higher than the UK average, residents should prioritise robust home security. Relying solely on traditional CCTV often means you'll have footage of a burglary, but not the means to prevent it. Proactive protection is key to truly safeguarding your property.

Consider implementing an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. Unlike reactive systems, scOS detects potential threats at your property boundary, stopping criminals before they can gain entry. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, never missing a moment, and its DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. scOS learns your household routines, distinguishing between family, deliveries, and genuine intruders, thereby eliminating false alarms. When a real threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and making burglars move on within their crucial 60-second decision window. This professional-grade deterrence offers a significant advantage over basic DIY systems, providing a higher level of security for Scunthorpe homeowners.