Gainsborough Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 saw Gainsborough’s crime rate remain elevated, with 12.8 crimes reported per 1,000 residents—82.9% above the UK average of 7.0. This figure highlights a persistent challenge for local authorities in managing crime within the built-up area. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (36.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (22.1%) and criminal damage and arson (12.1%). These patterns align with typical December dynamics, where extended evenings and holiday-related activities may contribute to increased incidents of violence and disorder. The high proportion of anti-social behaviour—201% above the UK average—suggests ongoing community tensions or pressures that could be exacerbated by seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and social gatherings. Meanwhile, property crimes accounted for 31.3% of all recorded crimes, with shoplifting (8.2%) and other theft (5.3%) representing significant components. The seasonal context of December, marked by darker evenings and empty homes during holiday periods, may also play a role in driving some of these property-related incidents. Despite these challenges, the data reveals some promising trends, particularly in the reduction of certain crime types over the previous month, which will be explored in greater detail in the highlights section.

December 2025 brought both concerning and encouraging developments in Gainsborough’s crime profile. Among the most notable decreases was an 87.5% drop in robbery cases, falling from 8 to 1—a stark contrast to the 100% increase in bicycle theft, which rose from 0 to 1. This shift may reflect seasonal changes, with fewer people cycling in cold weather but an uptick in targeted thefts of bikes left unsecured in public spaces. Other crime categories also showed significant movement, including a 27.3% rise in 'other crime' and a 20% increase in vehicle crime. These changes suggest potential shifts in criminal activity patterns. Conversely, the decline in drug-related offences (50% reduction) and burglary (42.9% decrease) offers some reassurance, possibly indicating the effectiveness of recent policing efforts or reduced opportunities during the holiday season. The data also reveals stark disparities between Gainsborough and national averages: violence and sexual offences are 83% above the UK rate, while public order offences are 32% below. This contrast underscores the unique challenges faced by the area, where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are high. For residents, the 27.3% increase in 'other crime'—a category encompassing a wide range of incidents—may warrant particular attention, as it could signal emerging issues not yet fully captured by more specific categories.

Comparing December 2025 to November 2025, Gainsborough’s crime rate fell by 19.3%, declining from 15.8 to 12.8 per 1,000 residents. This reduction, while significant, still leaves the area with a crime rate more than double the UK average. On a daily basis, the month saw an average of 9 crimes reported each day—roughly one for every 78 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure highlights the frequency with which residents encounter crime, though this is an aggregate measure and does not reflect daily fluctuations. The population context further underscores the scale of the issue: in a town of 21,974 residents, the 281 recorded crimes represent a tangible presence in daily life. While the overall rate has decreased, the breakdown of crime types reveals uneven progress. For instance, the sharp decline in robbery and drug-related offences contrasts with the rise in bicycle theft and 'other crime', illustrating the complexity of local crime dynamics. These variations suggest that while some efforts may be yielding results, others require renewed focus. The comparison also highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where Gainsborough remains significantly above national averages, particularly in violence and anti-social behaviour, which continue to outpace UK levels by wide margins.