Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire, is renowned nationwide for its beautiful 12th-century cathedral. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only thing the city is famous for. Its alarmingly high crime rates have drawn attention from across the country. Read on to learn more.
It is alarmingly high.
The latest statistics reveal that the city has an overall crime rate of 133 incidents per 1,000 people. In contrast, the average rate across the UK (excluding Scotland) stands at 82 per 1,000 people. This means that Peterborough’s offence rate is 62% higher than the national average, making it significantly more prone to criminal activity compared to other parts of the country.
Violent crime is particularly concerning, making up 38.3% of all reported incidents, compared to the England and Wales average of 34.4%. This equates to 33,000 violent transgressions recorded in the past year. Despite a modest 3% reduction in violence year-over-year, Peterborough still ranks as the 37th most dangerous postcode area in the UK for violent offences.
Running a business in the city has become increasingly challenging. Bar, restaurant, and club owners, along with operators of other leisure spaces, must contend with the worrisome rise in anti-social behaviour. Between September 2023 and August 2024, nearly 14,000 incidents of this nature were recorded, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the same period the previous year, according to Plumplot.
Business premises across all sectors are also affected by burglary—an offence involving unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft. Over the past 12 months, more than 3,000 cases of burglary were reported in Peterborough. Unfortunately, that is not the full extent of the issue. During the same period, the city also saw 7,000 instances of criminal damage and arson.
Retail businesses are feeling the brunt of this surge as well. Over 6,000 shoplifting cases were reported from September 2023 to August 2024, a worrying 14% increase annually. This uptick has made shoplifting one of the fastest-growing crime categories in Peterborough.
Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that Peterborough is still a fantastic place to do business. The city is known for its strategic location, with excellent transport links, making it easy to reach customers and suppliers. Moreover, it has a strong local economy supported by a skilled workforce.
A well-implemented security plan is enough to deter criminal behaviour, protect valuable assets, and provide peace of mind to business owners. Here is how professional services can help.
Having a visible security presence is a powerful deterrent against trespassing, vandalism, and theft. Knowing that there are trained professionals monitoring the premises significantly reduces the likelihood of opportunistic crimes. Guards or patrol services discourage criminal activity and create a sense of safety for employees and customers alike.
Companies offering professional protection services provide rapid responses to incidents as they unfold, which can prevent minor issues from escalating into major threats. Their personnel are trained to de-escalate confrontations, minimise property damage, and liaise directly with the police and emergency services when required. This approach is particularly beneficial for high-risk businesses like bars and retail stores that handle high foot traffic and cash transactions.
Incorporating a dedicated security team instils a sense of confidence and assurance in staff and customers, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages customer loyalty and boosts employee morale.
A security company also helps to protect valuable assets, including expensive equipment, cash, and inventory, ensuring that businesses aren’t financially impacted by theft or vandalism. Additionally, they offer expert risk assessment and can identify potential vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Insurance companies frequently offer lower premiums to organisations that invest in robust security measures. This is because having a comprehensive plan in place, including CCTV, access control, and on-site guards, reduces the overall risk to the insurer.
In the event of a crime or incident, a professional security team can provide evidence and detailed reports, supporting the business in any legal proceedings. This level of preparedness ensures the company is protected from liability and disruption.
Ultimately, security companies focus on preventing crime before it happens, managing incidents effectively to minimise damage, and handling post-incident procedures to hold perpetrators accountable and restore operations swiftly.
Do not leave your security to chance—let us provide the visible presence, rapid response, and peace of mind your business deserves.
We are a professional Peterborough security company offering a range of security options, from manned guarding and mobile patrols to alarm response and key holding services. Each solution is backed by our highly trained, SIA-accredited professionals who prioritise safety and customer satisfaction at every step.
Whether you need 24/7 protection or security support for an upcoming event, we have the expertise and flexibility to deliver effective results.
To find out more about our services or request a no-obligation quote, get in touch with our Peterborough team today.