Castor and Ailsworth Crime Rate

Castor and Ailsworth is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 71.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6, a fact reflected in its strong safety score of 85/100. While the area maintains a secure profile, recent data shows a significant increasing trend, with a 34.3% rise in recorded crimes year-over-year. With a population of 1,859, Castor and Ailsworth is a predominantly residential community where personal offences such as violence and sexual offences are the most common. Property crime is notably lower than national figures, though burglary and vehicle crime still feature in the local statistics. The following analysis explores these figures in detail, focusing on the specific risks and temporal patterns within the villages.

Crime in Castor and Ailsworth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Castor and Ailsworth, accounting for 30.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 27.8% and public order offences at 12.8%. These figures suggest that personal and social conduct issues are the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Castor and Ailsworth, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 17.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Criminal damage and arson also make up a notable 9.8% of the total. While burglary accounts for 5.3% and vehicle crime for 4.5%, the overall volume of property-related offences remains low. For residents, this means that while the villages are generally very safe, maintaining sensible security for homes and vehicles is still important to prevent opportunistic crime.

Crime Trends in Castor and Ailsworth

Castor and Ailsworth have seen a significant 34.3% increase in crime year-over-year, indicating a rise in local activity. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with several peaks and troughs. The highest rate was recorded in September (10.8 per 1,000), followed by February and June/July, all at 8.6 to 9.1 per 1,000.

The quietest month was January, which saw a significant drop to 0.5 per 1,000, while November also recorded a lower-than-average rate of 2.2. The consistency of rates around 4.8 to 7.0 in several other months suggests a stable but elevated level of activity compared to the previous year. For residents, this trend highlights that while Castor and Ailsworth remain generally safe, there are specific months where crime is more frequent, requiring increased vigilance during these periods. Overall, the increasing trend is high in percentage but the crime rate remains below national averages.

How To Keep Safe in Castor and Ailsworth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Castor and Ailsworth, followed by anti-social behaviour and public order offences. While the villages are safe overall, focusing on property protection and personal awareness is key to staying secure.

1. Afternoon Home Security: With 29% of afternoon crimes being burglaries, ensure your home is fully locked up even if you are only out for a short period during the day.
2. Enhanced Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime accounts for 35% of night-time incidents. Always use a steering lock, ensure all windows are fully closed, and park in a garage or well-lit area whenever possible.
3. Lighting: Use motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property to eliminate dark spots and discourage opportunistic intruders, especially during the evening and night.
4. Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local authorities helps them identify hotspots and prevent more serious crime from developing.
5. Daytime Vigilance: Theft-related offences account for 31% of morning crime and 34% of afternoon crime. Always secure garden tools and other valuables, even if you are at home.

Crime in Castor and Ailsworth shows distinct temporal patterns that residents should be aware of. Theft-related offences are the primary concern during daylight hours, accounting for 31% of crimes in the morning (6am to 12pm) and 34% in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm). This suggests that opportunistic crime is most frequent during the day when residents are active.

As the day transitions to night, the crime profile shifts significantly. During the evening (6pm to 12am), burglary and vehicle crime become more prominent, accounting for 23% and 15% respectively. The night hours (12am to 6am) see a dramatic rise in vehicle crime, which accounts for a massive 35% of all incidents in that period. Burglary also remains high at 26%. These patterns indicate a clear 24-hour cycle of risk: opportunistic theft during the day, and targeted property-related crimes like vehicle theft and burglary taking precedence under the cover of darkness. This highlights the need for robust, round-the-clock home and vehicle security.

When compared to surrounding areas, Castor and Ailsworth sit in a safe regional context. Their crime rate of 71.6 per 1,000 is vastly more secure than the main Peterborough urban settlement. However, several adjacent small settlements, including Wansford, Yarwell, and Elton, recorded zero crimes in the same period, highlighting that Castor and Ailsworth are part of a low-crime region with even quieter pockets nearby. For those living in the area, these figures demonstrate a consistently high level of safety across the local neighbourhood, with Castor and Ailsworth being a secure and desirable residential choice.

In an area like Castor and Ailsworth, where property crime is relatively low at 17.2 per 1,000, but burglary and vehicle crime still account for a portion of total incidents, homeowners should consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV systems or DIY doorbell cameras are reactive; they provide footage of an event after it has already occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial break-in or theft.

A proactive approach, such as that provided by scOS, is far more effective at maintaining the security of your home. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between normal activity and potential threats, and if an intruder is detected, it can autonomously respond with lights and audible warnings. This "boundary-first" defence is particularly effective against the night-time vehicle crime and afternoon burglary that are most common in Castor and Ailsworth. By deterring a criminal before they even reach your door or car, scOS ensures that your property remains a safe haven. Investing in proactive protection means you are stopping crime, not just recording it.