Desborough Crime Rate

Desborough is a safe and well-regarded urban settlement with a crime rate of 65.6 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of security is further reflected in its safety score of 84/100. However, it is important to note that crime in Desborough has increased by 19.1% over the past year, reflecting a notable shift in local activity. While the town remains one of the safer options in the North Northamptonshire local authority, this upward trend suggests a need for increased awareness. The following analysis explores the specific crime types, monthly trends, and temporal patterns that define the current safety landscape in Desborough.

In Desborough, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 38.4% of all incidents (25.2 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour is also significant, accounting for 22.7% of the total. Criminal damage and arson follow as the third most common category at 7.8%. Property-related crime, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a total rate of 20.7 per 1,000 residents. While the burglary rate itself is relatively low at 3.1 per 1,000, the overall property crime figure suggests that homeowners and vehicle owners should maintain consistent security standards, particularly as vehicle crime accounts for 5.6% of the town's total crime volume.

The crime trend in Desborough is currently increasing, with a 19.1% rise in total offences compared to the previous year. Detailed monthly analysis shows the crime rate was relatively stable at the start of the period, around 4.4 to 4.9 per 1,000, before jumping significantly to 7.7 in May 2025. Following this spring peak, the rate remained elevated compared to the previous year, fluctuating between 5.5 and 6.2 for most of the summer and autumn. While the rate returned to 4.4 in November 2025, the overall year-over-year growth of 19.1% is a clear indicator that criminal activity has become more frequent in the town. This trend highlights the importance of residents remaining vigilant and considering enhanced security measures to protect their properties.

How To Keep Safe in Desborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Desborough, accounting for 38.4% of total recorded incidents. Personal safety and awareness are key to maintaining a secure lifestyle in the town.

1. Be Mindful of Surroundings: When walking alone, especially in the evening, avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone. Staying alert allows you to notice and avoid potential issues before they escalate.
2. Utilise Well-Lit Routes: Stick to main roads and areas with good street lighting after dark. Desborough is generally safe, but avoiding unlit shortcuts is a sensible precaution.
3. Secure Your Property Early: With burglary and vehicle crime often occurring in the late afternoon and night, make it a habit to lock all doors, windows, and vehicles as soon as you return home or as dusk approaches.
4. Engage with Community Safety: Participate in local social media groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about recent activity in your specific part of Desborough.
5. Install Visible Deterrents: Even basic measures like motion-sensor lights can be effective. However, for comprehensive protection, consider a system that monitors your perimeter 24/7.

Desborough's crime patterns show significant variation by time of day. Morning hours are often associated with theft, which accounts for 34% of crimes in this period. As the day moves into the afternoon, theft remains the top concern at 38%, while burglary also reaches its daily peak at 25%. Evening hours see a shift towards 'other' crimes—typically anti-social behaviour and public order—which comprise 47% of incidents. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 45% of all recorded offences. This data indicates that while property is most at risk during the day, vehicles are the primary target under the cover of darkness.

In the local context, Desborough compares favourably to its larger neighbour, Rothwell, which has a higher crime rate of 70.6 per 1,000. While it cannot match the zero-crime reports of the very small surrounding rural parishes like Braybrooke, Rushton, and Wilbarston, Desborough offers a balanced safety profile for an urban area of its size. For those considering the region, Desborough represents a secure residential hub that maintains a lower crime volume than many other towns in the North Northamptonshire local authority, despite the recent increase in recorded incidents.

With a property crime rate of 20.7 per 1,000 in Desborough, homeowners should consider the difference between reactive and proactive security. Traditional systems like Ring or Nest are popular, but they often only alert you once someone is already at your door or, worse, after a break-in has occurred. scOS provides a more advanced level of protection by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. For Desborough residents, this means the system can identify a suspicious individual loitering near a vehicle or home and intervene autonomously—using lights and speakers to deter the intruder before they act. This proactive approach is particularly relevant given that vehicle crime in Desborough peaks at night (45% of incidents). scOS doesn't just record the theft of your car; it actively prevents it by destroying the element of surprise that criminals rely on. Choosing professional-grade, AI-driven security is the most effective way to ensure your home remains safe, especially in an area where crime rates are currently on the rise.