West Lindsey Crime Rate

West Lindsey, a largely rural district in Lincolnshire, maintains a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 81.9 per 1,000 people per year. This is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a high safety score of 81/100, which exceeds the UK benchmark of 78. The crime trend in West Lindsey is currently stable, showing a modest 3.3% increase year-over-year. This consistency, combined with its scenic landscape and historic market towns, makes it an attractive and secure location for residents and businesses. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics and practical advice to help you stay safe in both urban and rural settings.

West Lindsey is a large, predominantly rural Local Authority District in Lincolnshire, with its main administrative centre in Gainsborough. The area is characterised by its vast agricultural landscape, historic market towns, and the scenic Lincolnshire Wolds. Its crime statistics are influenced by its rural nature, with lower overall crime rates compared to nearby urban centres like Lincoln. However, the district faces unique challenges related to rural crime, such as agricultural theft and fly-tipping. Gainsborough, as the largest town, concentrates more urban-style crime, including shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The district's population is relatively spread out, which can impact police response times and makes community-based safety initiatives particularly important. Overall, West Lindsey offers a peaceful and safe environment, typical of a well-maintained rural English district.

In West Lindsey, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 35.5% of all reports at a rate of 29.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 22.5%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.8%. Property crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 25.4 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK average of 32.9, indicating a relatively safe environment for property owners. Within this category, shoplifting and 'other theft' are the most frequent. Burglary occurs at a rate of 3.9 per 1,000, while vehicle crime stands at 2.3. For residents, these figures suggest that while personal safety and community order are the main focuses for authorities, property crime remains a present but manageable factor that requires standard security precautions.

The crime trend in West Lindsey is currently stable, with a modest 3.3% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating, with a peak in the summer months. The rate rose from 5.5 per 1,000 in February 2025 to a high of 8.0 in July 2025. This seasonal increase is common, but the rate returned to 6.8 in September and 6.7 in October. This stability suggests that while there are minor fluctuations, the underlying crime levels in the area remain consistent.

In the local regional context, West Lindsey's crime rate of 81.9 per 1,000 residents is higher than its immediate neighbours. Nearby areas such as Lincoln, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, Bassetlaw, North Kesteven, and East Lindsey all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset. This suggests that West Lindsey, particularly Gainsborough, acts as a primary hub for reported activity in the immediate vicinity. Despite this, the area remains very safe when compared to national averages and offers a peaceful rural lifestyle.

With a property crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000 residents, West Lindsey homeowners should consider the limitations of traditional security. In rural areas, where properties may be more isolated, standard CCTV often only provides footage after a crime has been committed. Proactive protection is a more effective approach. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder before they reach your home and respond autonomously with lights and speakers. This destroys the element of surprise and can prevent a crime before it happens. For West Lindsey residents, where burglary and criminal damage are notable issues, a proactive system like scOS offers a superior level of deterrence and peace of mind, especially for those in more remote locations.

How To Keep Safe in West Lindsey

Violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most common crimes in West Lindsey. To stay safe across the district, consider these practical suggestions:

1. Town Centre Awareness: When in Gainsborough or other market towns, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure to deter opportunistic theft.
2. Deter Criminal Damage: With criminal damage and arson at 9.8% of total crime, ensure your property's exterior is well-lit and that any gates or fences are secure to discourage nuisance behaviour.
3. Secure Your Home: To combat property crime, invest in high-quality locks and consider proactive security measures that monitor your property's perimeter 24/7.
4. Rural Vigilance: For those in more isolated rural areas, consider joining a rural watch scheme and ensure outbuildings and equipment are properly locked and alarmed.
5. Vehicle Security: Always lock your car and remove all valuables. Even in safe rural areas, opportunistic theft can occur, especially in public car parks near local attractions.