South Kesteven Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Kesteven's crime rate in June 2023 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 34.1% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This positions the area as significantly safer than the national average, a pattern consistent with its rural character and lower population density. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.9% of all reported crimes (294 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and criminal damage and arson (10.2%). These figures suggest a crime profile shaped by local community dynamics rather than high-density urban pressures. The seasonal context of June – the start of summer and longer daylight hours – may have influenced patterns, though the area's crime rates remain stable compared to other rural districts. Violent crime rates in South Kesteven are 32% below the UK average (2.0 vs 2.9 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour rates also show a similar gap. This contrast with the national picture, where urban areas often see higher rates of both categories, highlights the distinct character of South Kesteven as a largely rural district with fewer concentrated hotspots. The low vehicle crime rate (0.2 per 1,000, 57% below UK average) further supports this rural profile, as motor vehicle theft is typically more prevalent in densely populated areas with higher car ownership. The data suggests a crime picture where localised issues – such as community tensions or seasonal events – may have a more pronounced effect than broader national trends.

June 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with robbery incidents surging by 100% (from 3 to 6) – a stark contrast to the overall decline in most categories. This increase, though still low in absolute terms (0.0 per 1,000), raises questions about potential triggers such as targeted incidents or changes in local activity. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 54% (from 50 to 23), aligning with the area's rural nature where car theft is less common. The drop in burglary (43.9% decrease) and shoplifting (8.3% decrease) suggests possible seasonal factors, with the latter's reduction potentially linked to the start of summer and fewer foot traffic in retail areas. The breakdown reveals several categories where South Kesteven performs exceptionally well relative to the UK average: other theft (38% below), public order offences (40% below), and robbery (100% below). These figures indicate strong performance in areas typically associated with urban crime, such as theft from the person (100% below UK average) and possession of weapons (100% below). The data also shows a shift in crime composition, with property crimes (271) now slightly outnumbering violent crimes (294), though both categories remain well below national levels. For residents, the 38% reduction in vehicle crime – a category where UK rates are 0.5 per 1,000 – offers reassurance about the safety of personal property in this area.

Compared to May 2023, South Kesteven's crime rate rose by 9.6% (from 5.1 to 5.6 per 1,000), though it remains firmly below the UK average. This increase, while statistically significant, must be contextualised within the area's low baseline: even with the rise, the rate is still 34.1% below the national figure. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 27 crimes per day in June – a figure that, when scaled to the local population, equates to one reported crime for every 179 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, showing that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is relatively low. The population-scaled perspective is particularly important: with 147,151 residents, the 820 total crimes reported in June represent a 0.55% incidence rate, far below the UK average of 0.85%. This contrast becomes more pronounced when considering specific categories: for instance, the rate of vehicle crime in South Kesteven (0.2 per 1,000) is 57% below the UK average, a difference that underscores the area's unique characteristics. While the 9.6% increase from May may seem concerning, this follows a period of relatively low crime activity. The comparison to the UK average also highlights that, despite the rise, South Kesteven continues to outperform the national picture across most categories, suggesting that local factors – such as community policing strategies or rural demographics – may contribute to this sustained safety.