Rural Peterborough Crime Rate

Rural Peterborough presents a complex safety profile, with a safety score of 76/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 95.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.7. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a notable 26.8% increase in crime year-over-year, indicating a shifting security landscape for the area. While the property crime rate of 27.1 remains below the national average, the rising trend in other categories necessitates a proactive approach to safety. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the crimes affecting Rural Peterborough, helping residents understand when and where risks are most prevalent in their community.

In Rural Peterborough, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.9% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.4% and criminal damage and arson at 10.8%.

When looking at property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—the rate is 27.1 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, it still represents a significant volume of activity for a rural area. Burglary and vehicle crime combined make up over 8% of the local crime profile. For residents, this means that while personal safety and community conduct are the most frequent issues, the threat to homes and property is persistent. The relatively high rate of criminal damage also suggests that property is often targeted in ways that don't involve theft, highlighting the importance of robust physical boundaries and deterrents for homeowners in the area.

Rural Peterborough has seen a significant increase in crime over the last 12 months, with a 26.8% rise year-over-year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively steady baseline for much of the year, with the crime rate per 1,000 people hovering between 3.4 and 10.3. However, there was a dramatic surge in November 2025, where the rate jumped to 23.6. This sharp increase at the end of the data period suggests a recent and significant change in the local safety environment. Such a trend is a clear signal for residents to review their home and personal security measures. While the area's safety score of 76/100 remains respectable, the rapid pace of this increase is a matter of concern that warrants increased community awareness and proactive safety measures.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Peterborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Peterborough, accounting for 44.9% of all reported incidents. While the area is generally safe, the recent increase in crime suggests that residents should take extra precautions for personal and property safety.

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When out in public, especially in more isolated rural spots, stay alert. Avoid wearing headphones or being overly distracted by your phone, as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
2. Secure Outbuildings and Garages: In rural areas, sheds and barns are often targets for theft and criminal damage. Ensure these are as well-protected as your main home with high-quality locks and alarms.
3. Join a Rural Watch Scheme: Community intelligence is vital in rural areas. Joining a local watch scheme allows you to share information about suspicious vehicles or individuals with your neighbours and the police.
4. Improve Perimeter Security: Use motion-activated lighting and clear signage to show that your property is protected. Fences and gates should be kept in good repair to act as a clear physical barrier.
5. Report All Incidents: If you experience anti-social behaviour or witness criminal damage, report it to the police on 101. Consistent reporting helps the police allocate resources to the areas that need them most.

Crime in Rural Peterborough follows distinct temporal patterns that align with the area's rural-urban mix. Theft-related offences are most common during the daylight hours, with 41% occurring in the morning (6am - 12pm) and 47% in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), likely targeting commercial activity or unattended homes. Conversely, vehicle crime shifts significantly toward the night-time, with 38% of incidents recorded between midnight and 6am. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes peak in the evening hours (6pm - 12am), accounting for 54% of incidents in that window. Burglary is more evenly distributed but shows slight peaks in the afternoon and overnight. For residents, this means that daytime vigilance for general theft and overnight security for vehicles are the most important habits to maintain. Understanding that the evening is the primary window for community-level issues like ASB can also help residents plan their movements more safely.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Rural Peterborough has a more active crime profile. Settlements like Northborough (29.2) and Newborough (22.2) enjoy much lower crime rates, making them significantly quieter residential options. Rural Peterborough's rate of 95.5 is more in line with regional urban averages, suggesting it serves as a more active hub or experiences different demographic pressures than the smaller surrounding villages. For those looking for the highest levels of safety in the Peterborough region, the nearby smaller settlements currently offer a more secure statistical profile than the broader rural area.

With crime in Rural Peterborough increasing by nearly 27% over the last year, relying on traditional, reactive security is no longer enough. Standard CCTV systems are designed to provide evidence after a crime has occurred, which does little to prevent the initial loss or the violation of your home's privacy. In a rural setting where police response times can be longer, proactive deterrence is vital.

scOS offers a sophisticated AI-powered security solution that focuses on prevention. By monitoring your property's boundaries, scOS can detect potential threats—such as an intruder approaching a vehicle or an outbuilding—before they even reach your home. The system's autonomous response, including light and sound activation, is designed to surprise and deter criminals within the first minute of their arrival. Given that vehicle crime and burglary are key components of the local property crime profile, having a system that actively defends your driveway and perimeter provides a level of security that traditional recording-only devices simply cannot match. For homeowners in Rural Peterborough, scOS provides the proactive protection needed to counter rising local crime trends.