Peterborough Crime Rate

Peterborough presents a typical regional city safety profile with an overall crime rate of 124.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. As a growing cathedral city and transport hub, it experiences high levels of activity, resulting in a safety score of 71/100. While this is below the UK average of 79, it indicates a manageable safety environment compared to many other high-activity urban areas. The recent trend shows a stable environment, with crime increasing by only 0.9% year-over-year. Much of the city's criminal activity is driven by violence and anti-social behaviour, alongside retail-related offences. This guide provides a detailed look at Peterborough's crime data to help residents and businesses understand their local safety context.

Peterborough is a rapidly growing cathedral city in the East of England, characterized by a mix of historic urban centres, expanding residential suburbs, and major industrial areas. As a regional hub, it serves as a significant transport nexus with its proximity to the A1(M) and a major railway station on the East Coast Main Line, attracting a high volume of transient population and commuters. These factors, alongside a thriving retail sector and a busy night-time economy in the city centre, contribute to its crime statistics. The city's growth has also brought about diverse economic conditions across its various districts. Crime in Peterborough is often concentrated in high-footfall commercial areas, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent, and in industrial zones which can be targets for property-related offences. Understanding these urban and economic dynamics is essential for interpreting the city's overall crime rate and safety score.

In Peterborough, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.6% of all reported incidents with 10,416 cases. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.9% (4,700 crimes) and shoplifting at 8.2% (2,266 crimes). These figures reflect the challenges of a major regional city with high levels of social and commercial activity.

Property crime in Peterborough—including burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime—is recorded at a rate of 39.2 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting and 'other theft' are major contributors. While burglary accounts for 2.9% of total crime, the 799 reported incidents mean it remains a significant concern for homeowners. The rate of vehicle crime (5.8 per 1,000) also highlights the need for robust protection of personal property. For residents and business owners, these statistics indicate a consistent level of acquisitive crime that necessitates professional security measures.

Peterborough’s crime rate has remained stable over the last 12 months, with a minimal increase of just 0.9%. This indicates a consistent safety profile for the city despite its rapid growth. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a steady volume of criminal activity, with rates fluctuating between 8.6 and 11.8 per 1,000 people.

The year saw a peak in activity during the spring and summer, with July recording the highest rate of 11.8 and May following closely at 11.7. The lowest point was in December at 8.6. Towards the end of the year, the rate settled back to 9.9 in November. This pattern suggests that while there is a slight seasonal increase in crime during the warmer months—typical for cities with active social and retail scenes—the overall level of crime in Peterborough is predictable and consistent.

In the local context, Peterborough is the primary high-activity hub for the region. Its crime rate of 124.0 per 1,000 people is significantly higher than neighbouring rural authorities such as Fenland, Rutland, Huntingdonshire, and South Holland, all of which reported zero crimes in this specific data comparison. Similarly, North Northamptonshire and South Kesteven show much lower activity. This disparity is characteristic of a regional city compared to its surrounding rural hinterland. For those living or working in the area, Peterborough offers a vibrant urban environment with the naturally higher crime volumes typical of such a setting.

Peterborough’s property crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 people is higher than the national average, reflecting its status as a busy regional city. In such an environment, traditional security measures like basic CCTV often fall short. These systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, but they rarely stop it, and in a busy city, footage after the fact often does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma.

For Peterborough residents and businesses, proactive protection is the most effective way to stay safe. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats and trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—to deter a criminal before they enter. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures it only alerts you to genuine threats. In a city with high rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime, scOS offers a sophisticated alternative that prioritises prevention over recording, ensuring your property is truly protected by advanced AI.

How To Keep Safe in Peterborough

Violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common crime types in Peterborough, reflecting its busy urban nature. Shoplifting is also a significant concern in commercial areas.

• Be aware of your surroundings in the city centre and around transport hubs, especially during the evening and night.
• Stick to well-lit, busy roads when walking at night and avoid isolated shortcuts or poorly lit residential streets.
• Ensure your home and vehicle are always locked and consider using visible security deterrents to discourage opportunistic theft.
• If you are out socialising, stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance using reputable transport services.
• Report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local authorities to help them target hotspots and improve city-wide safety.