Rural North West Leicestershire Crime Rate

Rural North West Leicestershire is characterised by a high level of safety and a lower-than-average crime rate. The overall crime rate is 67.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly better than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in an impressive safety score of 84/100. Furthermore, the area is experiencing a positive downward trend, with a 7.5% decrease in total crime year-over-year. These statistics suggest a peaceful environment where residents can feel secure. The data that follows provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring in these rural communities and the patterns that emerge across different times of the day.

Crime in Rural North West Leicestershire

In the rural settlements of North West Leicestershire, the crime profile is distinct from the more urbanised parts of the district. The most significant category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 34.8% of all reports (513 incidents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.7% and vehicle crime at 10.1%. The prominence of vehicle crime is particularly noteworthy in rural contexts, where residents often rely on cars and may have more isolated parking arrangements.

Property crime in this area occurs at a rate of 25.4 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, the 149 incidents of vehicle crime and 82 reported burglaries highlight a specific vulnerability for rural homeowners. The "other theft" category also accounts for 8.1% of crime, often involving the loss of high-value equipment or garden assets. For those living in these communities, the data suggests that securing vehicles and outbuildings is just as critical as protecting the main residence.

Crime Trends in Rural North West Leicestershire

The crime trend in Rural North West Leicestershire is notably positive, with an overall decrease of 7.5% year-over-year. This downward trajectory suggests that the area is becoming increasingly secure. Analysis of the monthly trendData shows some seasonal variation. The highest crime rate was recorded in August at 7.0 per 1,000 people, followed by December at 6.2. These peaks often coincide with holiday periods and increased tourism in the rural parts of the district.

The lowest crime levels occurred in February (4.6 per 1,000) and June (4.9 per 1,000). The general trend throughout 2025 has been one of stability with occasional fluctuations, but the overall reduction since late 2024 is a reassuring sign for the community. For residents, this trend means a lower likelihood of experiencing crime compared to previous years, reflecting the effectiveness of local safety initiatives and a committed policing presence in the rural wards.

How To Keep Safe in Rural North West Leicestershire

The highest crime category in Rural North West Leicestershire is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. While the area is safe, specific precautions can further reduce your risk.

1. Secure Your Vehicles: With vehicle crime at 10.1%, always lock your car and use additional security like steering wheel locks. Avoid leaving any items on display, even in seemingly quiet rural lanes or private driveways.
2. Perimeter Lighting: Rural homes can be dark at night. Install motion-activated lighting around your property and driveway to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders.
3. Outbuilding Security: Ensure sheds, barns, and garages are fitted with high-quality locks and consider extending your home security system to cover these areas, as they often contain high-value tools.
4. Stay Connected: Join local rural watch groups or community messaging apps. In rural areas, neighbours are the first line of defence; knowing what is happening in your immediate vicinity is invaluable.
5. Walking After Dark: When walking between villages or in less populated areas at night, carry a torch and stay on known paths. While incidents are rare, maintaining personal awareness is always recommended.

Crime Patterns in Rural North West Leicestershire

The timing of criminal activity in Rural North West Leicestershire reveals distinct trends throughout the day. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft-related offences, which peak between 12pm and 6pm, accounting for 48% of crimes in that period. This suggests that retail and opportunistic thefts are more common during standard business hours.

As the day transitions into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts significantly. Vehicle crime becomes the primary concern during the night-time hours (12am-6am), representing a staggering 53% of all reported incidents. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the day but sees its highest percentage during the afternoon (22%). These patterns indicate that while the area is generally quiet, property is most vulnerable to theft during the day when residents may be out, and vehicles are most at risk during the late-night hours. Understanding these cycles allows residents to apply security measures more effectively when they are most needed.

Rural North West Leicestershire compares favourably to its more urbanised neighbours. With a crime rate of 67.6, it is significantly safer than Coalville (113.2) and Ellistown (117.5). It sits in a similar safety bracket to Ashby-de-la-Zouch (63.6) and Ibstock (67.8). For those looking for the quietest areas nearby, Moira (35.3) and Swannington (36.6) offer even lower rates. Overall, the rural parts of the district provide a secure middle ground, offering more tranquility than the main towns while maintaining a robust safety profile that exceeds the national average, making it a highly desirable region for residential stability.

Protecting Your Property in Rural North West Leicestershire

In the rural parts of North West Leicestershire, the property crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000 residents is primarily driven by vehicle crime and burglary. Rural properties often face unique challenges, such as larger perimeters and more isolated locations, which can make them targets for opportunistic thieves. Traditional CCTV often fails in these environments because it only records the event, often in poor lighting, without preventing the actual theft of a vehicle or a break-in.

To truly secure a rural home, a proactive approach is necessary. The scOS operating system uses AI to provide multi-camera intelligence that monitors your entire property boundary simultaneously. For residents concerned about the 10.1% vehicle crime rate, scOS can detect unauthorised movement around cars and use autonomous responses—such as engaging floodlights or audio warnings—to deter criminals before they touch your property. This shift from reactive recording to proactive prevention is essential for rural security, as it destroys the element of surprise and forces intruders to move on, keeping your home and vehicles safe.