South Witham Crime Rate

South Witham is a safe residential settlement with an overall crime rate of 57.5 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly below the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a high safety score of 88/100. While the area is statistically secure, it has seen a notable 37.0% increase in crime year-over-year, which warrants attention from residents. The most common offences are violence and anti-social behaviour, while property-related crime—including burglary and vehicle theft—stands at a rate of 18.7 per 1,000. Understanding the specific timing and nature of these incidents is key to maintaining personal and property safety. The following breakdown provides detailed insights into South Witham's crime patterns and offers practical advice for staying safe in the community.

Crime in South Witham

The most frequent reports in South Witham are violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.0% of total crime with 20 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.3% (15 crimes), and both criminal damage and arson and public order offences, each representing 10.8% (8 crimes). These figures indicate that behavioural and public order issues are the primary drivers of local crime statistics.

Property crime in South Witham, comprising burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting, occurs at a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 residents. This category is evenly split between burglary, vehicle crime, and other theft, each with 5 recorded incidents (6.8% each). While the overall property crime rate is well below the national average of 32.2, the fact that burglary and vehicle crime are present suggests that residential security is an important consideration. For homeowners, the relatively high percentage of afternoon burglaries and night-time vehicle crimes highlights the need for consistent, 24-hour property protection to safeguard against these specific threats.

South Witham has experienced a sharp 37.0% increase in crime over the past year. While this is a significant percentage, it is important to view it in the context of the area's small population, where a relatively small increase in the number of incidents can lead to a large percentage change. The monthly data for 2025 shows considerable volatility. The year began with very low rates (1.6 to 3.1 per 1,000), before a massive spike in March to 12.4 per 1,000.

Following this peak, the crime rate fluctuated between 2.3 and 5.4 per 1,000 for most of the year, before ending with another significant spike in December to 10.9 per 1,000. These peaks in March and December suggest that crime in South Witham may be driven by specific, short-term events or a small number of active offenders. For residents, the trend suggests that while the area remains generally safe, there are periods of significantly increased activity that require heightened awareness and improved security measures.

How To Keep Safe in South Witham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in South Witham. While the overall numbers are low, it is important to be mindful of personal safety, especially when out in the village during the evening.

When walking alone, try to stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit footpaths or shortcuts through isolated areas. Let a family member or friend know your expected arrival time if you are out late. Staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding distractions like headphones can help you remain alert to potential threats.

Anti-social behaviour is also a common concern. Residents are encouraged to report any nuisance activity to the local council or police. Improving the visibility around your home with motion-activated lighting can deter individuals from loitering near your property and increase your sense of security.

For property safety, be aware that burglaries in South Witham often occur in the afternoon. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked when you are out of the house, and consider using timer switches for lights to give the impression that someone is home. Securing your vehicle in a garage or behind a locked gate is also highly recommended, particularly overnight.

The timing of crime in South Witham reveals specific vulnerabilities for residents. Theft is most common during the morning (36%) and afternoon (40%), suggesting that opportunistic crimes occur most frequently when the village is active. Burglary risk is also notably high in the afternoon, accounting for 29% of crimes in that period, which is when many residents are away from their homes.

As the day transitions into the night, the focus of criminal activity shifts toward vehicles. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the dominant concern, representing 42% of all reported incidents. This is a significant increase from the afternoon (7%) and evening (19%). Burglary risk remains a consistent factor throughout the evening and night, staying at 25-26%. For South Witham residents, these patterns highlight a dual need: daytime vigilance against residential burglary and robust overnight security measures for vehicles. Public order and anti-social behaviour offences are more evenly spread but tend to peak during the evening hours.

South Witham has a more active crime profile than many of its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 57.5 per 1,000 is considerably higher than Greetham, which sits at 19.2. Furthermore, several nearby smaller settlements—Lobthorpe, Clipsham, and Market Overton—recorded zero crimes during the same period. This suggests that as a larger built-up area, South Witham experiences more urban-style crime than the surrounding rural hamlets. However, even with its recent increase in activity, South Witham remains much safer than the UK national average, offering a secure environment for those who prefer village life with a slightly more active community feel.

With a property crime rate of 18.7 per 1,000 and a 37% increase in overall crime, South Witham residents should consider more than just traditional security. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide you with a video of your burglary after it has already happened. In an area where burglary risk is highest in the afternoon and vehicle crime peaks at night, you need a system that works 24/7 to prevent incidents, not just record them.

scOS is an AI-powered operating system that provides proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence, it watches your entire property boundary and identifies threats before they reach your home. For South Witham homeowners, this means that an intruder in your garden or someone tampering with your vehicle at 3am can be met with an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts—before they can do any damage. Because scOS learns the routines of your household and recognizes your vehicles, it eliminates the false alarms common with DIY systems. Moving to proactive AI protection is the most effective way to ensure your home remains safe during the current upward trend in local crime.