Northampton Crime Rate

Northampton presents a complex crime profile with an overall crime rate of 119.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7, which is reflected in a safety score of 73/100—below the national benchmark of 79. Despite these figures, the recent crime trend in Northampton is described as stable, showing a negligible year-over-year increase of only 0.6%. This suggests that while crime levels are higher than in many other parts of the country, they are not currently escalating. The data that follows provides a detailed breakdown of the specific challenges and patterns within the town, offering residents a clear view of the local safety landscape.

In Northampton, the most prevalent crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.0% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.8% and shoplifting at 11.6%. These three categories represent the primary safety concerns within the urban area.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, occurs at a rate of 41.7 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that residents and homeowners should be particularly vigilant regarding the security of their premises and personal belongings. Vehicle crime and burglary specifically account for 4.8% and 4.3% of total crime respectively, highlighting the need for robust physical and electronic security measures to protect residential assets.

The crime trend in Northampton is currently stable, with a year-over-year change of just 0.6%. This indicates a consistent safety environment over the last twelve months. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, we see the crime rate per 1,000 fluctuate from a low of 8.2 in December 2024 to a peak of 11.1 in July 2025. There was a notable rise through the spring and early summer, climbing from 8.8 in February to its July high, before gradually tapering off to 9.3 by November. This seasonal pattern, where crime often increases during the warmer months, is typical for large urban areas. For residents, this stability suggests that while crime remains a factor of urban life, there is no current evidence of a rapid escalation in local incident rates.

How To Keep Safe in Northampton

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Northampton, accounting for 33.0% of all incidents. While many of these occur in private settings, public safety remains a priority. When navigating the town, especially during the evening, stick to well-lit, busy pedestrian routes and avoid isolated shortcuts through parks or alleyways. If you are enjoying the town's nightlife, try to stay with a group of friends and pre-book your transport home to avoid waiting alone in unmonitored areas.

For those concerned about property safety, given the shoplifting and theft rates, be mindful of your personal belongings in the town centre. Keep bags zipped and close to your body, and never leave phones or wallets on tables in cafes or pubs. At home, ensure that high-value items are not visible through windows, as opportunistic thieves often scout properties from the street before attempting a break-in. Regular participation in local neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide an extra layer of community-led security.

Analysis of crime timing in Northampton reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon is a peak period for theft and shoplifting, accounting for 41% of incidents in that timeframe, largely driven by the town's retail activity. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of crime shifts significantly; 50% of evening offences fall into the 'other' category, which includes public order and anti-social behaviour, often coinciding with the operation of the town's night-time economy. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the dominant concern, representing 40% of all reports during these hours. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the day but shows slight peaks during the afternoon and late-night hours, suggesting that criminals target properties both when residents are likely to be away at work and when the cover of darkness is greatest.

When examining the local region, Northampton's crime rate of 119.2 per 1,000 people sits in the middle of a diverse spectrum. To the north and south, rural settlements like Great Houghton and Little Houghton maintain an exceptional record with 0.0 crimes per 1,000. Boughton also offers a significantly quieter environment with a rate of 18.8. However, the Collingtree and Milton Malsor area reports a much higher rate of 176.7 per 1,000 people. For those considering the region, these figures illustrate that moving just a few miles from the town centre can lead to vastly different safety environments, with Northampton acting as the primary urban focal point for the surrounding smaller villages.

With a property crime rate of 41.7 per 1,000 people in Northampton, securing your home requires more than just a standard alarm. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing you with a video of a crime after it has already occurred. In an area where theft and burglary are persistent threats, proactive protection is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system represents a shift in home security by identifying threats at your property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, it can activate autonomous responses—such as engaging lighting or speakers—to deter a criminal before they even touch a door or window. In an urban environment like Northampton, where burglars often make quick decisions, the visible and immediate deterrence of a professional-grade AI system can ensure your property is bypassed in favour of easier targets. Proactive prevention is always superior to reactive recording.