South Kesteven Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Kesteven recorded a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, placing it 32.1% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This continued trend of lower-than-average crime reflects the district’s character as a largely rural area with lower population density and fewer high-risk urban hubs. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences (297 incidents, 37% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (212 incidents, 26.4%) and criminal damage and arson (64 incidents, 8%). These figures contrast with the UK average for violence, which stands at 2.8 per 1,000, suggesting South Kesteven’s violent crime rate is 29% below the national benchmark. Seasonal factors in May—such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—may contribute to the prominence of violent and anti-social offences, though the overall rate remains well below national levels. Property crime accounted for 27% of total incidents (803 crimes), with shoplifting (6.5%) and other theft (6%) being the most frequent property-related offences. The district’s rural nature likely reduces opportunities for vehicle crime and burglary compared to urban areas, as evidenced by rates of 0.2 and 0.1 per 1,000 respectively, both significantly below UK averages. This pattern aligns with broader trends in rural England, where crime rates are consistently lower due to lower population density and fewer commercial or nightlife hotspots.

May 2025 saw a 5.2% month-on-month decline in South Kesteven’s overall crime rate, from 5.8 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. This reduction was driven by sharp falls in vehicle crime (-47.6%, from 42 to 22 incidents) and other crime (-60%, from 30 to 12 incidents). These decreases may reflect seasonal shifts, as May’s longer evenings and warmer weather could encourage outdoor activities that reduce vehicle-related theft. Conversely, theft from the person rose by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), a stark anomaly that may indicate targeted opportunistic crime. Public order offences also increased by 36.7% (30 to 41 incidents), likely tied to the district’s seasonal social dynamics. Violent crime in South Kesteven remains 29% below the UK average, with 2.0 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.8 per 1,000. This gap is widest for burglary (64% below UK average) and drugs offences (64% below), suggesting the area’s rural character limits drug-related crime and property intrusions. However, bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) is 25% above the UK average, due to local cycling infrastructure or commuter activity. Residents may find the significant drop in vehicle crime reassuring, though the surge in theft from the person underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces.

South Kesteven’s crime rate in May 2025 (5.5 per 1,000) was 5.2% lower than the previous month’s rate (5.8 per 1,000), marking a sustained downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 183 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk as relatively low compared to more densely populated areas. Daily crime counts averaged 26 incidents per day, a figure that, when considered against the district’s population of 147,151, illustrates the manageable scale of local crime. This rate is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, where residents face 8.1 crimes per 1,000 people. The district’s lower crime profile is reinforced by its rural character, which reduces exposure to high-risk environments like urban centres or nightlife zones. The 32.1% gap between South Kesteven and the UK average is most pronounced in categories like burglary (-64%) and drugs offences (-64%), reflecting the area’s limited commercial activity and fewer opportunities for illicit trade. However, the 25% above-average rate for bicycle theft hints at a unique local factor, such as increased cycling for commuting or leisure. For residents, these statistics highlight that while the district remains safer than the national average, targeted vigilance in specific areas—like public spaces during social events—may still be necessary.