Northampton Crime Rate

Northampton is a major urban centre with an overall crime rate of 120.0 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.6, resulting in a safety score of 73/100, which is below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Northampton is currently stable, showing a minor 2.0% increase year-over-year. As the primary hub of West Northamptonshire, the town experiences typical urban safety challenges, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequently reported crime type, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. This guide provides a detailed look at the statistics and temporal patterns of crime in Northampton, offering practical advice for residents and businesses to stay secure.

In Northampton, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.9% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also highly prevalent, making up 20.0% of the total, followed by shoplifting at 11.6%. When looking at property crime collectively—including burglary, robbery, various thefts, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate is a substantial 41.8 per 1,000 people. Within this group, vehicle crime (4.8%) and burglary (4.2%) are notable concerns. For residents and homeowners in Northampton, these statistics underscore the necessity of robust security measures to protect against both person-to-person offences and the significant volume of property-related crime in the urban area.

Northampton's crime trend is currently stable, with a 2.0% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a consistent level of activity, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents ranging from a low of 8.8 in February to a peak of 11.1 in July. The summer months generally saw higher rates, with June, July, and August all recording rates above 10.9. This was followed by a slight decline towards the end of the year, finishing at 9.0 in December. This pattern is typical for a large urban area and suggests that the town's safety profile is not undergoing any radical shifts, but rather maintaining a steady baseline of reported activity.

How To Keep Safe in Northampton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Northampton. To stay safe in this busy urban area, consider these localized safety tips:

• Stay Alert in the Town Centre: When walking through the town centre, especially during the evening or on weekends, remain aware of your surroundings. Avoid being distracted by your phone or wearing headphones, which can reduce your situational awareness.
• Plan Your Night-Time Travel: If you are out late, ensure you have a safe way home. Use well-lit, busy streets and avoid quiet alleys or shortcuts. Stick to reputable taxi firms or ride-sharing apps.
• Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime accounting for 4.8% of total crime, always park in well-lit, secure areas. Never leave valuables on display inside your car, as this can attract opportunistic thieves.
• Be Mindful of Personal Property: In crowded areas or when using public transport, keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight. Use bags that can be zipped and worn across the body.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Northampton sees high levels of ASB (20.0%). Reporting such incidents to the local authorities can help them allocate resources more effectively and improve the safety of your neighbourhood.

Crime in Northampton exhibits clear temporal trends. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 40% of offences, while vehicle crime is also significant at 18%. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees the highest proportion of burglary at 22%, alongside continued high theft rates (42%), suggesting daytime property vulnerability. In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order issues—spike to 50% of all reports. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which surges to 41% of incidents, while burglary remains a high risk at 22%. This indicates that while personal safety is a daytime focus, property and vehicle security are critical concerns overnight.

Northampton is the largest settlement in its region and its crime statistics reflect this urban status. When compared to nearby areas, the contrast is significant. Smaller villages like Great Houghton and Little Houghton report 0.0 crimes in this dataset, while Boughton has a much lower rate of 20.3 per 1,000. Conversely, the area of Collingtree and Milton Malsor shows a significantly higher rate of 175.8 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight Northampton as a high-activity urban centre that, while safer than some specific nearby hotspots, requires more robust security awareness than its smaller, more rural neighbours.

In an urban environment like Northampton, where the property crime rate stands at 41.8 per 1,000 people, reactive security is often insufficient. Most traditional CCTV systems or DIY smart doorbells only record footage of an incident, which does little to prevent the initial loss or the trauma of a break-in. For homeowners in Northampton, proactive protection is a more effective strategy. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your door. By using intelligent multi-camera monitoring, scOS can identify potential threats at the boundary of your property. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents—such as high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—to destroy the element of surprise. This immediate response often convinces burglars to move on to an easier target. In a busy town where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent risks, the professional-grade, preventative power of scOS offers a superior level of security that standard recording systems simply cannot provide.