Rural North Northamptonshire Crime Rate

Rural North Northamptonshire is a notably safe region, characterized by a crime rate of 61.5 per 1,000 residents—well below the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in its high safety score of 85/100, indicating a secure environment for its population of approximately 20,000. However, recent data shows that crime has increased by 14.6% year-over-year, a trend that warrants attention from residents. Despite this rise, the area remains one of the safer parts of the local authority. The following report breaks down the specific types of crime prevalent in the area, examines the monthly trends, and provides actionable safety advice to help maintain the region's secure character.

In Rural North Northamptonshire, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 38.3% of all reports (23.6 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 21.3%. Other theft, criminal damage, and burglary also feature prominently in the statistics. Property crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents. While the overall numbers are lower than urban centres, the 6.6% burglary rate and 6.4% vehicle crime rate indicate that residential security remains a priority for those in more secluded or rural properties where police response times may be longer.

The crime trend in Rural North Northamptonshire is currently on an upward trajectory, with a 14.6% increase recorded over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate began the period at 4.2 in December 2024 and saw significant growth by the spring, reaching a peak of 6.9 in May 2025. While there was a slight dip in the summer, rates climbed again to 6.4 in October before returning to 4.2 in November. This 14.6% year-over-year rise is significant for a rural area and suggests that crime is becoming more frequent. Residents should be aware that the traditional 'quiet' nature of the area is shifting, and taking proactive steps to secure property is increasingly advisable to counter this rising trend.

How To Keep Safe in Rural North Northamptonshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the rural north, accounting for 38.3% of all incidents. While the overall volume is low, personal safety remains a priority.

1. Secure Rural Boundaries: Use sturdy fencing and gates to clearly define your property. In rural areas, clearly marked boundaries can deter casual trespassing which may lead to more serious offences.
2. Improve Outdoor Lighting: Motion-activated lighting is highly effective in rural settings. It alerts you to movement and can startle potential intruders who prefer the cover of darkness.
3. Join Rural Watch Schemes: Stay connected with neighbours through local Rural Watch or community messaging groups. Sharing information about suspicious vehicles or individuals is one of the best ways to prevent crime in less densely populated areas.
4. Be Mindful of Isolated Walks: When walking in remote areas, especially at dawn or dusk, let someone know your route and expected return time. Carrying a fully charged phone is essential.
5. Protect Outbuildings: Ensure sheds and barns are as well-secured as your main home. These are often targeted for high-value equipment and tools.

Crime in Rural North Northamptonshire follows distinct temporal patterns. The morning period is relatively quiet, though theft-related crimes make up 39% of incidents when they do occur. The afternoon sees the highest concentration of burglary, accounting for 28% of crimes in this window, often when properties are left unattended. Evening hours are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 39% of reports. During the night (12am - 6am), there is a significant spike in vehicle crime, which represents 43% of all recorded offences. This suggests that while personal and social crimes occur during the day, property and vehicle theft are primary threats during the late-night and early-morning hours.

Rural North Northamptonshire provides a stark contrast to the nearby urban centres. While towns like Rushden (103.7) and Irthlingborough (78.2) experience higher crime volumes due to their population density and commercial activity, the rural areas offer a much more tranquil profile. Even smaller towns like Desborough (65.6) have higher crime rates. For residents or prospective movers, the rural north represents the safest tier of living in the local authority, though the increasing trend suggests that the area is not entirely immune to the wider regional shifts in criminal activity.

In Rural North Northamptonshire, where the property crime rate is 17.6 per 1,000, the primary challenge is the potential isolation of properties. Traditional security systems often rely on a reactive approach—recording a crime as it happens or sounding an alarm that might go unheard by distant neighbours. scOS changes this dynamic by offering proactive, AI-driven protection. By monitoring your property's boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify a threat long before a break-in is attempted. In a rural setting, the autonomous response features—such as activating high-intensity lighting or clear audio warnings—are particularly effective. They destroy the element of surprise that rural burglars often rely on. Instead of just having footage of a vehicle being tampered with or a door being forced, scOS aims to prevent the incident entirely by making it clear to the intruder that they have been detected and identified. This professional-grade deterrence is the most robust way to protect homes in less populated areas.