Understanding Peterborough's Crime Rate: A Comprehensive Overview

Peterborough's crime rate is the highest in the East of England. But this does not mean the whole city is dangerous. However, some neighborhoods require extra caution.

Let's review the recent crime data to understand the crime rate in Peterborough. It will give you an idea of how safe it is. We will also share the safest and most dangerous areas for you to be vigilant while traveling.

Is It Safe to Live in Peterborough?

According to Cambridge News analysis of Home Office figures, Peterborough recorded 22,481 non-fraud crimes in the year ending March 2025. That crime rate of 103 offenses per 1,000 people makes Peterborough the most dangerous place in Cambridgeshire. It is also the second highest in the entire East of England region. One in every ten residents was a crime victim last year.

However, this headline number hides massive variation, which includes some safe areas. The Peterborough Telegraph reports that Barnack has a rate of just 44 crimes per 1,000 residents. Wittering is similarly low. Meanwhile, the Central ward exceeds 350 per 1,000. The city center affects the entire average. Do not judge Peterborough by its worst neighborhoods.

Peterborough Crime Rate

Overall crime in Peterborough rose by 4% last year to 23,416 offenses. The city's violent crime rate is 60.1 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate sits around 46.7 per 1,000. Combined, the total crime rate is 126.5 to 129.8 per 1,000.

Some crime categories are skyrocketing. Drug offenses jumped 62% in a single year. That is more than triple the national average increase of 17%. Possession of weapons rose 13% compared to 5% nationally. Residential burglary increased 17%. Shoplifting climbed 14%. Violence rose 6%.

The good news is that some crimes are falling. Non-residential burglary dropped 10%. Theft from persons fell 30%. Public order offenses decreased 12%. Cambridgeshire Police say "tackling violent crime is one of our top priorities" and they are "encouraged" that more victims are coming forward to report crimes.

Safe and Dangerous Areas in Peterborough

Crime in Peterborough is intensely localized. The city center generates the vast majority of offenses. Outer villages see rates closer to the national average. Cambridgeshire Constabulary data shows that in February 2026 alone, the Central ward recorded 82 violent and sexual offenses, 52 anti-social behavior incidents, and 48 shoplifting cases.

The Safest Areas in Peterborough

Barnack

This stone-built village near the Lincolnshire border has a total crime rate of just 44.1 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offenses sit at 21.5 per 1,000, which is 31% below the regional average. Burglary is the only elevated category, running 113% above average. The area has low deprivation and an average household income of £72,909.

Wittering

Home to an RAF base, Wittering shares Barnack's low crime profile. The combined Barnack, Wittering, and Wansford area records approximately 36-46 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Anti-social behavior runs 30% below the East of England average. Public order offenses are 43% lower.

Glinton and Castor

These adjoining villages west of Peterborough have a crime rate of 53.6 per 1,000 residents. This is less than half the city's average. The area combines rural charm with easy A1 access. Burglary rates are below the national average of 8.7 per 1,000 homes.

Stanground South

Located on the city's southeastern edge, this ward records 62.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. It is one of the few lower-crime areas actually inside the city boundary rather than in outlying villages. It's family-friendly with good schools.

Wittering (rural west)

The western part of the city has a crime rate of 48.5 per 1,000. This includes areas near the A1 and villages like Wansford. Deprivation is low. Most crime here is vehicle-related rather than violent.

Most Dangerous Areas in Peterborough

Central Ward

Peterborough's city center has an extreme crime rate of 351.1 per 1,000 residents. In February 2026 alone, police recorded 82 violent and sexual offenses here. Anti-social behavior contributed to 52 incidents. Shoplifting added 48 more. Avoid living here if possible. If you work here, do not linger after dark.

Ravensthorpe

This ward has the second-highest crime rate at 168.0 per 1,000 residents. More detailed recent data shows 167.7 per 1,000, with violent crimes at 91.1 per 1,000. The area near the prison is a major hotspot, recording 29 offenses mostly for violence and public order. Sandford and the A47 corridor are also high-risk. Ravensthorpe ranks as the 573rd highest crime ward out of 7,543 in England and Wales.

Bretton

North of the city center, Bretton records 143.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Residential burglary rates are above the national average. The area has a mix of housing estates and retail parks, with crime concentrated near shopping areas and busier roads.

North Ward

This ward records 137.0 crimes per 1,000. Violent and sexual offenses are significantly elevated. The area borders the city center and shares some of its problems while being slightly more residential.

East Ward

At 136.4 crimes per 1,000, East ward rounds out the top five. Vehicle crime and anti-social behavior are particular concerns here. The area includes industrial zones that attract theft and criminal damage.

How to Stay Safe in Peterborough

Choose your street, not just your city

One Peterborough neighborhood has a crime rate eight times higher than another. Use the Police UK interactive map before signing a lease or making an offer. Filter by "all crime" and "last 3 months" to see real-time hotspots.

Fit a video doorbell

Residential burglary rose 17% last year. But cameras deter more than burglars. In Ravensthorpe, package theft from doorsteps has increased. A visible camera on your front door tells opportunistic thieves to move on to the next house. You can install a Reolink Video Doorbell.

Lock your car, every single time

Vehicle crime runs at 5.9 per 1,000. In Bretton and East ward, "fishing" thefts from unlocked cars are common. Thieves walk down streets at 2 AM checking handles. Do not make their job easy.

Secure your accommodation when traveling

If you are visiting Peterborough, stay in hotels near Thorpe Wood or the A1(M) rather than the city center. Use all locks on your door. For enhanced security, use a Reolink wireless and portable security camera. It is excellent for live monitoring and real-time alerts.

Report everything, even the small stuff

Cambridgeshire Police have explicitly said rising crime numbers reflect more victims coming forward, not just more offenses. Report suspicious activity on 101. Use the online reporting tool. Data drives police resource allocation. Your report helps prevent the next crime.

FAQs

Is Peterborough, UK, a nice place to live?

Yes, if you pick the right neighborhood. Barnack, Wittering, and Stanground South are genuinely safe. The city has excellent rail links, the A1 corridor, and more affordable housing than Cambridge.

Where is the worst crime rate in the UK?

Peterborough has the highest crime rate in the East of England. Nationally, cities like Blackpool, Middlesbrough, and Birmingham have higher overall crime rates according to Home Office statistics.

What are the most common crimes in Peterborough?

Violence and sexual offenses are most common (49.3 per 1,000), followed by anti-social behavior (21.5 per 1,000) and shoplifting (10.8 per 1,000).

Conclusion

Peterborough's crime rate is 129 crimes per 1,000 people. It is the highest in the East of England. One in ten residents is a victim. However, this doesn't represent the whole city. Some of its neighborhoods are extremely dangerous, while others are quite safe. Choose Barnack or Stanground South. Avoid Ravensthorpe and Central. Lock your car, install a security camera, and take other safety measures to ensure your safety.