Gainsborough Crime Rate

Gainsborough has an overall crime rate of 194.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 93.1. This results in a safety score of 57/100 for the settlement. The crime trend in Gainsborough is currently increasing, showing a 6.3% rise year-over-year. As a historic market town and the primary urban centre for West Lindsey, Gainsborough's crime statistics reflect its active and diverse character. While the area presents a more active crime profile than its rural neighbours, it remains a key regional hub for its 21,000 residents. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the crime types, seasonal trends, and time-based patterns in the area.

In Gainsborough, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 33.0% of all reports with 1,407 incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 22.4%, and criminal damage and arson at 10.9%. The overall property crime rate for the area is 65.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average. This includes 178 burglaries and 104 vehicle crimes. For residents, these figures indicate a very active crime profile, particularly in terms of anti-social behaviour, shoplifting (10.7%), and property-related offences. Homeowners and business owners should maintain high standards of security.

The crime trend in Gainsborough has seen a 6.3% increase over the past year. Monthly data from 2024 and 2025 shows some fluctuation. The rate was lowest in February 2025 at 13.9 per 1,000 residents. However, it rose significantly in the spring and summer, peaking at 21.4 in November 2024 and 18.8 in July 2025. This seasonal increase is common for urban areas during the warmer months. By October 2025, the rate had settled to 15.4. This pattern suggests that while the area remains active, residents should be particularly vigilant during the peak months. Overall, the increasing trend highlights the importance of maintaining good security habits.

How To Keep Safe in Gainsborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Gainsborough, followed by anti-social behaviour. To ensure your personal safety within the area, we recommend the following localized advice:

1. When in the town centre, particularly in the evening, stay in well-lit areas and stick to main thoroughfares. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark.
2. Given the high rate of anti-social behaviour (22.4%), be mindful of your surroundings in public spaces and report any incidents to the local police immediately.
3. Keep your personal belongings secure in public places. Shoplifting and other theft are present, so never leave bags unattended in cafes or shops.
4. If you are out for the evening, plan your journey home in advance using reputable local taxi services or public transport.
5. Ensure your home and vehicles are well-secured. With property crime being a significant factor, visible security measures like alarms and good exterior lighting are essential deterrents.

In Gainsborough, crime patterns vary throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is the busiest for theft-related offences (30%) and burglary (24%), as commercial activity peaks and some properties are left unattended. The evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 64% of reports in this period. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a high proportion of burglary (24%) and vehicle crime (23%), as criminals target properties and cars under the cover of darkness. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are relatively quiet, though they still see a notable amount of theft (29%) and burglary (14%). For residents, this means that property security is paramount throughout the day and overnight.

Gainsborough is the primary urban centre in a region with varied crime profiles. When compared to its immediate neighbours, it has a much higher crime profile. Nearby areas like Lea, Bole, Beckingham, and Corringham all show remarkably low reported crime figures in recent data. This is common for a major urban hub compared to purely residential or rural districts. Gainsborough remains a key regional centre, offering more amenities and employment opportunities than its quieter neighbours. The area's safety score reflects its status as an active urban settlement.

Homeowners and business owners in Gainsborough face a property crime rate of 65.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the national average. In an area where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are major factors, traditional security measures often fall short. Standard CCTV cameras are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, but do little to prevent it. scOS (Security Operating System) offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter 24/7. scOS identifies potential threats—such as someone loitering near a vehicle or approaching a side entrance—before a crime is committed. The system can autonomously respond with deterrents like lights and audio warnings, effectively stopping an incident in its tracks. For Gainsborough residents, this means moving from being a victim with video evidence to being a homeowner who prevented a break-in, ensuring your property remains truly secure in a busy urban environment.