Stamford Crime Rate

Stamford is widely regarded as one of the safest and most desirable market towns in the UK, a reputation supported by its impressive safety score of 85/100. The town's overall crime rate stands at 68.8 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. Furthermore, Stamford is seeing a positive shift in its safety landscape, with a 9.0% year-over-year decrease in total reported crime. Property crime is also notably low at 19.8 per 1,000, well below the national average of 32.2. These figures suggest a secure environment for its population of nearly 21,000. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of Stamford's crime types, monthly trends, and specific time-based patterns for the 2025 period.

Stamford Crime Analysis

Stamford's crime profile is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which make up 35.4% of all reported incidents (24.4 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 23.6%, followed by shoplifting at 8.6%. As a popular tourist destination and shopping hub, Stamford's retail areas see a notable amount of acquisitive crime.

The property crime rate in Stamford is 19.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. This category includes other theft (6.9%), criminal damage and arson (5.4%), vehicle crime (3.5%), and burglary (2.7%). While the burglary rate is low at 1.9 per 1,000 residents, the high percentage of theft-related offences during daylight hours suggests that opportunists are active in the town. For residents and business owners, this indicates that while Stamford is generally very safe, there is a persistent risk of theft and property damage. Maintaining visible security and securing high-value items is essential to mitigate these risks in both residential and commercial settings.

Stamford's crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 9.0% reduction in total offences compared to the previous year. This is a strong indicator of a safe and improving environment. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate was at its lowest in March at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, and reached its peak in December at 6.8.

There was a notable increase in activity during the summer months, with July recording a rate of 6.6, which is common for tourist-heavy towns like Stamford. However, the overall trend remained stable and well below the UK average throughout the year. The slight rise in December may be attributed to the busy Christmas shopping period and associated retail crime. Overall, the 9.0% decline suggests that Stamford remains a consistently secure town, with a safety profile that is steadily improving for its residents and businesses.

How To Keep Safe in Stamford

While Stamford is statistically very safe, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in the evening and associated with the town's vibrant social scene. Residents and visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when leaving pubs or restaurants late at night.

To stay safe, always plan your journey home and stick to well-lit, familiar routes. If you are out with friends, look out for one another and ensure everyone gets home safely. Avoiding poorly lit areas like the Meadows or isolated footpaths after dark is a sensible precaution.

To protect against Stamford's theft and shoplifting rates, keep your personal belongings secure and never leave bags or valuables unattended in public places. For homeowners, the main risk is property crime during the afternoon and night. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are in the garden, and consider a proactive security system that can monitor your property's exterior. Visible security measures, such as a professional alarm or AI-powered cameras, serve as a strong deterrent to opportunistic thieves who may be operating in the area.

Crime in Stamford is heavily influenced by the town's daily rhythm of commerce and socialising. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) periods are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 53% and 57% of crimes respectively. This is largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic thefts during the town's busy shopping hours.

As evening approaches, the crime profile shifts. From 6pm to 12am, 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become more prominent, making up 46% of reported incidents. This coincides with the peak hours for Stamford's pubs and restaurants. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant rise in vehicle crime, which accounts for 37% of all incidents, as well as the highest proportion of burglaries at 18%. This suggests that while the town is quiet, unattended vehicles and homes become the primary targets for criminal activity. Residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their property before retiring for the night.

Stamford is surrounded by exceptionally quiet rural villages, which provides a stark contrast to its own urban activity. Nearby Wothorpe, Great Casterton, Ryhall, and Uffington all reported no crimes during the 2025 period. While Stamford's rate of 68.8 per 1,000 is higher than these immediate neighbours, it is typical for a busy, prosperous market town that attracts significant numbers of visitors. For those seeking the amenities of Stamford with even lower crime levels, the surrounding villages offer a near-zero crime environment while remaining just minutes from the town centre. Overall, the entire Stamford area remains one of the safest regions in Lincolnshire.

In Stamford, the property crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 is remarkably low compared to the UK average, but this does not mean residents should be complacent. High-value properties in prosperous towns like Stamford can often be targets for more sophisticated or opportunistic theft. Standard security systems, such as basic alarms or reactive cameras, often fail to prevent a crime, merely providing evidence after the fact.

For those who want to actively protect their homes, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the recommended solution. By monitoring the perimeter of your property 24/7, scOS can identify a potential intruder before they even reach your door. The system's ability to autonomously respond—by turning on lights or sounding a warning—removes the element of surprise and often causes a would-be burglar to flee immediately. In a town like Stamford, where aesthetics and security are both important, a professional-grade AI system provides the highest level of protection without being intrusive, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.