Grantham Crime Rate

Grantham’s anti-social behaviour rate is 72% above the UK average, the most striking finding in its crime profile. With an overall crime rate of 103.6 per 1,000 residents (13.6% above the UK average), the town shows a complex mix of rising and falling trends. While bicycle theft has dropped 56% YoY, anti-social behaviour has increased by 14.5%, highlighting the need for targeted community initiatives.

Grantham is a historic market town in Lincolnshire, known for its medieval architecture and proximity to the A1. As a built-up area with a population of 46,262, it balances retail, commuter hubs, and residential zones. The presence of a bustling market and regular tourism likely contributes to higher anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates, while the town’s semi-rural outskirts may influence property crime patterns differently than urban centres.

The most surprising finding is that anti-social behaviour in Grantham is 72% above the UK average, far exceeding other categories. This likely stems from the town’s market and high foot traffic, which can amplify public disorder. Shoplifting, at 57% above the UK average, is likely driven by Grantham’s retail centres, while violence and sexual offences (7% above UK average) may reflect nightlife activity. Notably, property crime in Grantham is 1.2% below the UK average, possibly due to lower burglary rates (43% below average), though this contrasts with higher theft from the person (92% below average), suggesting targeted rather than opportunistic crime. The sharp 56% drop in bicycle theft YoY may indicate improved security measures or reduced student populations, given the town’s educational institutions.

Grantham’s crime rate fell by 9.8% year-on-year, driven by a 56% drop in bicycle theft and a 28.7% decrease in public order crimes. However, anti-social behaviour rose by 14.5%, possibly due to increased nightlife activity. The sharpest decline was in bicycle theft, likely linked to improved security measures or seasonal factors. Monthly trends show a peak in July (9.5 per 1,000), possibly due to tourism, followed by a steady decline into early 2026.

How To Keep Safe in Grantham

Avoid high-traffic areas after dark, especially near the market, where anti-social behaviour is 72% above UK average. Secure vehicles in well-lit, monitored parking areas, as vehicle crime peaks overnight. Report suspicious behaviour promptly, and use personal safety apps to track local crime trends. Stay vigilant in retail zones, where shoplifting is 57% above the UK average, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.

Crime in Grantham follows distinct patterns: theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) at 39%, aligning with shopping hours, while vehicle crime surges overnight (12am-6am) at 31%, likely due to unsecured parking. Anti-social behaviour is most common in the evening (6pm-12am), reflecting nightlife activity, and other crimes spike at night, possibly linked to isolated areas. The town’s market and commuter traffic contribute to daytime theft, whereas rural outskirts may see higher vehicle crime after dark.

Grantham’s crime rate of 103.6 per 1,000 is 76% higher than Barrowby (59.0 per 1,000), the area’s safest neighbour. Great Gonerby (73.8 per 1,000) is 40% less crime-prone than Grantham, possibly due to lower population density. Harlaxton (66.3 per 1,000) sees 56% lower crime rates, reflecting differences in economic activity and policing.

For areas with high anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates, scOS’s proactive boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring can deter opportunistic crime. Its behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms, making it ideal for Grantham’s bustling market areas. For vehicle crime, DVLA verification could flag suspicious vehicles near residential zones, though the town’s lower vehicle crime rate (38% below UK average) suggests existing measures are effective.