10th October 2024
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.
What our clients say about us
As a leading regional 24/7 security provider, we ensure every member of our team is fully SIA-licensed, highly trained, and prepared to deliver the highest standards of protection. Our commitment to robust quality processes ensures our clients benefit from consistent, reliable, and professional service at all times.
As a local security company, we take pride in offering a personalised approach backed by industry-leading standards. We work closely with each client to understand their needs, ensuring our solutions are tailored, effective, and delivered with care.
Our reliability, integrity, and meticulous planning make us one of the region’s most trusted security providers, being well-equipped to meet your requirements and safeguard your business and assets.
"Stage took the time to understand our business requirements and plans for growth. It was clear that they were the best security provider to partner with our business as we looked to expand in the UK and region of Suffolk. The services Stage has delivered to our business since the start of 2022 have helped ensure our site, staff and property is always protected."
— Sheng Li, FDS Corporation
"We have used Stage security since the beginning of 2022 and have found them to be personable and responsive to our questions and needs regarding a broad range of events. Offering appropriate security personnel to suit each event is key to us, and the team at Stage have always delivered."
— Jonathan Senior, Wherstead Park
"We have been working with Stage Security for a few years now and have always found their service to be very reliable and professional. We would certainly recommend them to other clients."
— Josie Stone, Beyond the Box Student
"The guys were amazing! Super friendly, fully capable, and highly visual. They took onboard our specific instructions, and we're nice to all that attended. Everyone at the event was very complimentary of the guys. I've recommended stage to several people based on this experience already."
— Councillor Ruman Muhith, Ipswich Borough Council
"We are very pleased with the level of service provided and look forward to continuing our partnership with them moving forward."
— Elmstead Place, Yugo
"Stage Security has been an invaluable partner in safeguarding our Ipswich office. Their professionalism and prompt response times consistently reassure us and allow us to focus on our core operations. Since partnering with Stage, we’ve seen a marked improvement in service quality and reliability. We confidently recommend them as a trusted, first-choice security provider."
— Birketts LLP
"I wanted to pass on a compliment for the security team working at the Regent on the 27th Feb: Another amazing security team- Allen, Kelly and Keira. They were proactive at the start helping to hand out wristbands to customers and putting smiles on people’s faces. Great customer service!"
— House Manager, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"Thank you to your two guys who were patrolling Christchurch Park today. They were very friendly and approachable. They took time to speak to the young people who were enjoying being in the park. As a parent it is very reassuring that they are in the park, and if there is any problems people know that they can approach them and they are there to help!"
— Lisa Cooper
"May I take this opportunity to say thank you, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the company. Also, we all wanted to pass on our personal thanks to David who was such a nice person and he did such a good job giving us such peace of mind (and a much needed break every night after such long days!)."
— Katrina Robertson, Whitton Parish
"Kieran was the best front-of-house SIA security staff member we have worked with for years. He was attentive in what was going on, helpful and approachable with the customers. The little jobs I often have to remind staff to do just happened without prompt, he wasn't in a rush to leave for his later job, and he wasn't constantly on his phone in front of the customers."
— Shaun Whymark, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"I would like to thank Adam Howes and his team for their work and support at Suffolk Pride 2019. They brought their professional expertise and clear understanding of our needs to our event. They understood and delivered our objectives for the day in a proficient and skilled manner whilst carrying out their role."
— Suffolk Pride
"Thank you and to your team so much for Wednesday. You really were superstars and I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support. From the word 'go' you were all so professional and just got on doing what you do best."
— Sarah Shinnie, Suffolk District Council
"A very big thank you to you and your staff for a successful event (Stowmarket Christmas Fayre) that was held yesterday (28th Nov 2021). Your staff were exemplary, actively engaging with members of the public, reinforcing the road closure and also alerting myself and other Town Council staff to potential issues of concern. Thank you once again."
— Michael Marriott, Stowmarket Town Council
"I wanted to say a big thank you and well done to the security who worked here last night, especially Steph and Karl. We had a first aid incident which involved a lady fainting. Steph was very quickly on the scene and took a lot of control of what was happening."
— Mark Wright, Operations Manager, The Apex
"I wanted to write to say how brilliant your two security guards were at the school ball. They were the best we have had. They were friendly and professional, worked the whole time and were very observant with regards to the behaviour of our students; they were proactive about stepping in when required."
— Mrs Isobel Tyndale-Brown, Woodbridge School
"We held a music festival at our Holiday Park for over 3000 people, guests and owners. Hiring Stage Security was a simple process, from start to finish with professional care and regular communication throughout the whole preparation time before the event."
— Kelly Evans, The Orchards Holiday Village
