South Lakeland Crime Rate

South Lakeland is a safe and secure district, evidenced by an overall crime rate of 72.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, positioning the area as a desirable place to live and visit. The district holds a safety score of 81/100, which is higher than the UK average of 78. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 3.3%. This indicates a consistent safety profile across the local authority area. This report provides a detailed analysis of South Lakeland's crime statistics, covering everything from top crime types to property safety, helping residents understand the local safety landscape.

About South Lakeland

South Lakeland is a predominantly rural and suburban district, famously encompassing a large portion of the Lake District National Park. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique demographic and economic profile. As a major tourism hub, South Lakeland experiences a significant transient population, with millions of visitors arriving annually to towns like Kendal, Windermere, and Ulverston. This influx can lead to seasonal fluctuations in crime, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences in tourist hotspots.

Economically, the area is diverse, with strong sectors in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. While it is generally an affluent district, the geographical spread and isolated nature of many communities can influence crime types, such as rural theft. The population density is low compared to national averages, but the concentrated activity in the main towns drives the majority of the recorded statistics. Transport hubs and the M6 corridor also play a role in the area's accessibility, which can occasionally impact vehicle-related crime rates. Overall, South Lakeland's high safety score reflects its status as a settled, well-integrated community with a strong emphasis on local policing and safety.

Crime in South Lakeland

The crime profile of South Lakeland is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 2,922 recorded incidents, or 47.6% of the total. While this percentage is high, it is a common statistical trend in areas where traditional "street crime" is less prevalent. The second and third most common crime types are criminal damage and arson (575 incidents, 9.4%) and public order offences (565 incidents, 9.2%). These figures suggest that social and personal-focused offences are the primary concern for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime in the district is relatively low, with an overall rate of 21.2 per 1,000 people. This combined category includes burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Specifically, there were 418 cases of 'other theft', 345 shoplifting incidents, and 244 burglaries over the past year. For residents and homeowners, the burglary rate of 2.9 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the UK average, indicating that South Lakeland remains a safe place to live and own property. However, the volume of criminal damage and general theft highlights the importance of maintaining visible security measures and community vigilance to deter opportunistic offenders.

Crime Trends in South Lakeland

The long-term crime trend in South Lakeland is encouragingly stable. Over the last 12 months, the total number of recorded crimes has decreased by 3.3%. This indicates that the area's safety measures and community policing are effectively managing local crime levels. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows a consistent pattern with minor fluctuations.

The crime rate dipped to its lowest point in February 2025 at 5.2 per 1,000, while the busiest month was March 2025, reaching 6.8. Throughout the summer months, the rate stayed remarkably steady between 5.9 and 6.6, despite the increased number of visitors to the region. The year ended with a rate of 6.2 in October, very close to the annual average. For residents, this stability provides confidence that South Lakeland remains a secure environment, with no evidence of significant emerging crime waves or deteriorating safety conditions.

South Lakeland's crime rate of 72.4 per 1,000 residents should be viewed in the context of its diverse communities. Within the district, Kendal sees a slightly higher rate of 74.3, while Ulverston is similar at 73.6. In contrast, the rural areas of South Lakeland are significantly quieter, with a rate of 38.7, and Windermere records 40.4. The village of Arnside is exceptionally safe with a rate of just 5.5 per 1,000. For anyone considering the region, South Lakeland offers a variety of environments, ranging from busier market towns with moderate activity to extremely low-crime rural settlements, all of which generally perform better than the UK average for safety.

In South Lakeland, property crime accounts for a rate of 21.2 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the national average, the 575 cases of criminal damage and 418 cases of 'other theft' show that opportunistic crime is still a factor. The challenge with traditional security systems—like basic alarms or doorbell cameras—is that they are reactive. They might alert you that someone is on your porch or record a video of a vandalism incident, but they don't stop the act from occurring.

For true peace of mind in a district like South Lakeland, proactive protection is the gold standard. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundaries 24/7. Instead of just recording, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. It can distinguish between a neighbour's cat and a suspicious individual loitering near your vehicle. When a real threat is identified, scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to stop the crime in its tracks. This focus on prevention over reaction is essential for maintaining the high safety standards residents expect in South Lakeland.

How To Keep Safe in South Lakeland

The most prevalent crime type in South Lakeland is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in concentrated social areas or during peak tourist seasons. Regional safety requires a proactive approach.

1. Secure Your Property: Even in a low-crime area, always lock doors and windows. With 244 burglaries a year, opportunistic theft is the primary risk to homeowners.
2. Be Aware in Tourist Hotspots: In busier areas like Kendal or Bowness, stay aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and late-night hours when public order offences are more likely.
3. Vehicle Vigilance: With 144 vehicle crimes annually, never leave valuables on display. Use well-lit car parks, particularly if you are leaving your vehicle to go hiking or sightseeing.
4. Rural Security: For those in more isolated parts of the district, ensure that outbuildings and agricultural equipment are properly secured and consider boundary-based security systems.
5. Community Connection: Join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes. In a district with many dispersed communities, staying connected with neighbours is one of the most effective ways to deter anti-social behaviour and theft.