Peterborough Crime Rate

Peterborough is a high-activity regional city with an overall crime rate of 124.8 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than the UK average of 91.6, which is characteristic of a major urban centre with significant commercial and industrial zones. Despite this, Peterborough maintains a respectable safety score of 71/100, which is above the national average baseline. The crime trend is currently stable, with a modest 2.0% change year-over-year, indicating a consistent level of reported activity. With a population of over 223,000, the city faces urban challenges particularly regarding violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics.

About Peterborough

Peterborough is a rapidly growing cathedral city in the East of England, known for its diverse economic base and significant transport links. As a major hub on the A1 and the East Coast Main Line, the city experiences high daily footfall from commuters and visitors. The local authority area encompasses a mix of historic urban centres, modern residential developments, and industrial zones, which all contribute to its unique crime profile.

The city's economy is driven by sectors such as financial services, logistics, and retail, with major distribution centres and a large shopping centre in the heart of the urban area. These commercial activities, combined with a diverse and growing population of over 223,000, are key factors in the local crime statistics. Areas of high commercial density often see elevated rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, while the residential suburbs experience typical urban property crime challenges. Understanding Peterborough's crime rate requires acknowledging its role as a regional economic driver with a transient population that influences its safety profile.

Crime in Peterborough

Crime in Peterborough is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.7% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 47.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.8% and shoplifting at 8.2%. The high prevalence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour is typical for a major regional hub with a significant retail sector.

Property crime in Peterborough, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 39.3 per 1,000 residents. This is above the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Criminal damage and arson also make up a notable 7.7% of the total. For residents and business owners, this means that securing property and assets is a key priority. While burglary itself accounts for 3.0% of total crime, the combined volume of property-related offences highlights a persistent risk that requires robust security measures.

Crime Trends in Peterborough

Crime in Peterborough is currently stable, with a modest 2.0% increase in total incidents year-over-year. This suggests that the city is maintaining its current safety profile. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a clear peak during the spring and summer months.

The highest crime rate was recorded in July (11.8 per 1,000), followed closely by May (11.7) and June (11.6). The quietest months were January (8.7) and February (9.1). From August onwards, the rate gradually decreased, ending the year at 9.4 per 1,000 in December. This pattern suggests that while there is an increase in activity during the warmer months—likely due to higher levels of public interaction and footfall—the overall level of crime in Peterborough remains consistent. For residents, this stability means that while the risk is higher than in rural areas, it is not currently escalating significantly.

Comparing Peterborough to its nearby local authority districts highlights its role as a major urban centre. While Peterborough's crime rate of 124.8 per 1,000 is elevated, it serves a much larger and more diverse population than neighbouring Fenland, Rutland, Huntingdonshire, South Holland, and South Kesteven. Data for these surrounding areas was not provided for this period, but historically, these more rural or smaller districts tend to have lower crime rates than a primary city like Peterborough. For those considering the region, Peterborough offers the amenities and economic opportunities of a major city, with a safety profile that is typical for an urban area of its size and importance.

In an area like Peterborough, where the property crime rate is 39.3 per 1,000 residents, home and business security are essential. The volume of shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary indicates that property is frequently targeted by both opportunistic and targeted offenders. Traditional security measures, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide footage after a crime has been committed, which often does little to stop the loss or damage.

For residents who want to move from recording crime to preventing it, scOS offers a proactive solution. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between normal activity and genuine threats, and if an intruder is detected, it can autonomously respond with lights and audible warnings. This "boundary-first" defence is particularly effective in an urban environment like Peterborough, where deterring a criminal before they reach your door is the most effective way to protect your property. By choosing scOS, you are investing in professional-grade intelligence that actively defends your home, ensuring that your property is passed over for an easier target.

How To Keep Safe in Peterborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Peterborough, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Staying safe in a busy city environment requires a proactive approach to personal and property security.

1. Vigilance in Retail Hubs: With shoplifting accounting for 8.2% of crime, be mindful of your belongings in busy shopping areas and never leave bags or phones unattended.
2. Secure Your Home Perimeter: Property crime is above the national average. Ensure all windows and doors are reinforced, and use motion-activated lighting to discourage opportunistic intruders.
3. Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime is a notable issue. Always use a steering lock, remove all valuables from the car, and park in well-lit or secure off-street areas whenever possible.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps them identify hotspots and improve safety in your neighbourhood.
5. Community Connection: Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can keep you informed about recent activity in your specific area and provide a collective approach to crime prevention.