South Lakeland Crime Rate

Understanding Crime in South Lakeland

South Lakeland presents a detailed picture of crime statistics, with an overall crime rate of 67.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure positions the area as notably safer than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. The area's safety is further reflected in its impressive safety score of 83 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average score of 78. This positive outlook is reinforced by a decreasing trend in crime, with a 9.9% reduction year-over-year, indicating an improving safety landscape for residents and visitors alike. These statistics provide a foundational understanding of the local crime environment, setting the stage for a more in-depth exploration of specific crime types and trends.

About South Lakeland

South Lakeland, a large local authority district, encompasses a diverse landscape ranging from bustling market towns to tranquil rural areas within the Lake District National Park. This mix of urban and rural characteristics significantly influences its crime statistics. The presence of popular tourist destinations, transport hubs, and a blend of residential and commercial zones means varying levels of activity throughout the year. While the permanent population is 1,500, the area experiences a substantial transient population due to tourism, which can impact certain crime types, particularly those related to theft or public order in more visited spots. The generally affluent nature and strong community ties in many parts of the district, coupled with the natural environment, contribute to its higher-than-average safety score. However, specific urban centres within the district may present different crime profiles compared to its quieter, more remote villages.

Crime Breakdown in South Lakeland

An analysis of crime types in South Lakeland reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 47.3% of all crimes with 2,688 reported incidents (1792.0 per 1,000 people). Following this, Criminal damage and arson represents 9.2% of crimes (521 incidents), closely matched by Public order offences, also at 9.2% (520 incidents). These three categories collectively form the majority of reported crime in the area.

When considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, other theft, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, vehicle crime, bicycle theft, theft from the person, and robbery, South Lakeland records a rate of 19.3 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, there were 225 burglaries (150.0 per 1,000), 379 other thefts (252.7 per 1,000), and 136 vehicle crimes (90.7 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a lower risk of property-specific crimes compared to the national average, though vigilance against all forms of theft and damage remains important.

Crime Trends in South Lakeland

South Lakeland has experienced a positive trend in its crime landscape, with an overall decreasing rate of 9.9% year-over-year. This indicates a notable improvement in safety across the district over the past twelve months. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 people reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Rates were relatively stable around 5.2 to 6.8 crimes per 1,000 from October 2024 to August 2025. A particular low point was observed in February 2025 at 5.2, followed by a peak in March 2025 at 6.8. However, a significant drop to 0.7 crimes per 1,000 was recorded in September 2025, which, if sustained, would mark a substantial reduction. This downward trend, despite monthly variations, suggests that efforts to maintain public safety are having a positive impact. For residents, this overall decrease contributes to a more secure living environment, reinforcing the area's high safety score.

Regional Crime Context

As a Local Authority District, South Lakeland encompasses a range of diverse communities, each with its unique crime profile. While direct comparisons to specific "nearby areas" are less applicable than for Built-Up Areas, understanding the overall context within the region is crucial. South Lakeland's overall crime rate of 67.7 per 1,000 and a strong safety score of 83/100 position it as a relatively safe area compared to the national average. This overall positive standing is influenced by the varying characteristics of its towns and rural settlements. When considering the broader regional context, South Lakeland's figures typically reflect a generally lower crime environment than many more densely populated or urbanised regions across the UK, offering a reassuring perspective for those living within its boundaries.

Protecting Your Home in South Lakeland

Given South Lakeland's property crime rate of 19.3 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average, residents still benefit from considering robust home security measures. While traditional CCTV systems offer footage after a burglary, true peace of mind comes from proactive prevention. The aim should be to deter potential threats at your property's boundary, rather than merely recording events once they've occurred.

For those seeking advanced protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a significant advantage. It prevents crime before it happens by intelligently detecting threats at your property line using multi-camera intelligence. Unlike reactive systems, scOS doesn't just notify you after an incident; it intervenes in real-time. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning mean it recognises your routines, only alerting on real threats. This professional-grade deterrence, with lights activating and speakers engaging, destroys the element of surprise for potential intruders, making them reconsider within the critical 60-second decision window. Investing in such proactive security ensures your home is seriously protected, transforming crime prevention from a reactive response to an active defence.