South Kesteven Crime Rate

South Kesteven maintains a high safety profile with an overall crime rate of 68.2 per 1,000 people for the period from December 2024 to November 2025. This rate is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in an impressive safety score of 85/100. Furthermore, the district has seen a positive trend in recent months, with a year-over-year crime decrease of 6.9%. These statistics suggest that South Kesteven is one of the safer local authority districts in the country. This report provides a comprehensive breakdown of the types of crime occurring in the area, seasonal trends, and comparative analysis to help residents understand their local environment.

South Kesteven is a diverse district in Lincolnshire, characterised by a mix of historic market towns like Grantham and Stamford, alongside extensive rural villages. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its position along the A1 corridor, which serves as a major national transport artery, potentially facilitating transient criminal activity. Grantham acts as a significant commercial and transport hub, while Stamford attracts considerable tourism due to its well-preserved Georgian architecture. These economic activities, combined with a relatively stable and affluent population, contribute to a safety profile that is generally more favourable than more densely populated urban centres. The district's economy is supported by a blend of agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, which helps maintain a lower-than-average crime rate.

In South Kesteven, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 34.5% of all reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 24.3% and shoplifting at 8.1%. Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 20.4 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK average, it still represents a significant volume of activity for homeowners. Burglary specifically accounts for 3.0% of total crime, with a rate of 2.0 per 1,000 people. For residents, this means that while the risk of violent crime is the primary statistical concern, the cumulative threat of property theft and vehicle crime remains a key factor in local safety considerations.

The crime trend in South Kesteven is currently decreasing, with a notable year-over-year drop of 6.9%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the year began with a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 in December, followed by a gradual increase during the spring and summer months. The rate peaked in August 2025 at 6.4 per 1,000 before beginning a steady decline into the autumn. This downward trend in the latter part of the year is an encouraging sign for the district. The reduction in overall crime suggests that community safety measures are proving effective, although residents should remain mindful of the slight seasonal increases typically seen during the summer holidays and the transition into autumn.

South Kesteven's crime rate of 68.2 per 1,000 residents is higher than several of its more rural neighbours. Rutland, Melton, North Kesteven, Boston, and South Holland all report significantly lower crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this data period. Additionally, the district compares favourably to the nearby city of Peterborough, which typically experiences higher crime density. South Kesteven's statistics reflect its unique position as a district that contains both bustling market towns and quiet rural stretches. While it may appear higher than its immediate rural neighbours, its overall safety score of 85/100 confirms its status as a secure area within the broader regional context.

With a property crime rate of 20.4 per 1,000 residents, South Kesteven is relatively safe, but property protection remains a priority for many homeowners. Most traditional security systems are reactive, meaning they only alert you or record footage after an intruder has already entered your home. This approach provides evidence but fails to prevent the crime itself. For those seeking a higher level of security, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour before a break-in occurs. The system's multi-camera intelligence and autonomous response capabilities—such as engaging speakers or lights—are designed to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In a district like South Kesteven, where many properties may be isolated or in quiet residential areas, the ability of scOS to prevent crime before it happens provides invaluable peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in South Kesteven

The most common crime type in South Kesteven is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in concentrated areas during evening hours. To stay safe, it is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings when walking in town centres after dark and to stick to well-populated, lit areas. Using reputable taxi services and travelling with friends can further enhance your personal security when enjoying the district's evening economy.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, often affecting residential neighbourhoods. Residents are encouraged to report persistent problems to the local council or police to help identify hotspots. For home security, given that property crime still accounts for a rate of 20.4 per 1,000, ensuring that outbuildings and garages are securely locked is essential, as these are often targeted in more rural districts. Installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home can also deter opportunistic trespassers.