Bourne Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2024, Bourne, a built-up area within South Kesteven, maintained a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 35.5% below the UK average of 7.6. This figure reflects a persistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area, which aligns with its character as a relatively quiet, low-density built-up zone with limited commercial intensity compared to major urban centres. The most significant category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.9%) and shoplifting (10.5%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime in this month’s data may indicate seasonal factors, such as the impact of shorter daylight hours and the timing of Bonfire Night, which can heighten tensions in public spaces. Black Friday shopping activity, concentrated in the town’s retail hubs, likely contributed to the sharp rise in shoplifting incidents, although the overall property crime rate remained modest compared to the UK average. The low levels of burglary (3.2% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (1.1% of total crimes) suggest that Bourne’s built-up area, while not entirely rural, lacks the high-traffic commercial zones or densely populated housing that often correlate with higher property crime rates. This pattern is consistent with the area’s likely role as a commuter or service-oriented settlement, where community cohesion and local policing may play a stabilising role in crime prevention.

November 2024 saw a 150% increase in shoplifting compared to October, rising from 4 to 10 incidents. This surge, likely linked to Black Friday promotions and the heightened foot traffic in retail areas, underscores the seasonal vulnerability of local businesses to theft during peak shopping periods. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident), a figure that, while small, may reflect the increased use of fireworks during Bonfire Night and the associated risks of weapon-related incidents in public spaces. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), possibly due to reduced outdoor activity and the colder weather deterring opportunistic theft. The balance between violent and property crime also shifted in November, with violent offences (44) outpacing property crimes (30) by a significant margin. This pattern, though not unusual for the area, may be amplified by the month’s shorter evenings and the potential for increased social conflict in public spaces. Violent crime in Bourne remained 11% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting that local factors—such as the area’s relatively low population density and limited nightlife—help mitigate the risk of more severe violent incidents. Residents may find the 150% rise in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it highlights the need for increased vigilance in retail environments during high-traffic periods.

Bourne’s crime rate in November 2024 (4.9 per 1,000) marked a 5.4% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.7, though it remains significantly below the UK average. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 203 residents, a figure that translates to a low monthly exposure compared to larger urban areas where crime rates are typically higher. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of three crimes per day, a manageable frequency that contrasts sharply with the UK’s average daily crime rate, which is higher. The population context further reinforces Bourne’s status as a low-crime built-up area: with 19,291 residents, the town’s relatively small size and the absence of major transport hubs or industrial zones contribute to its lower-than-average crime profile. This is evident in the stark underperformance of categories like burglary (35% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (77% below the UK average), which are typically higher in more densely populated or economically deprived areas. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a subtle upward trend in overall crime, though this is tempered by the fact that the increase is concentrated in specific categories like shoplifting and possession of weapons, which are less likely to have long-term impacts on public safety than more systemic issues. Residents may find the daily crime count (3 per day) reassuring, as it illustrates the manageable scale of crime in a community where local policing and community engagement likely play a significant role in maintaining safety.