Safest And Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods In Loughborough To Be Aware Of

Loughborough is known for its excellent sports facilities, prestigious academic status, low cost of living, and tight-knit student population. As one of the best student cities in the UK and the home to the internationally renowned Loughborough University, the university ranks among the best, with a QS World University Ranking: #225 globally and around 19,500 students from across the country and around the world choosing it as their destination every year. Being such an attractive student city, and having multiple students relocate and reside here, it is important to know the safest and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Loughborough. 

Besides academic excellence, Loughborough boasts an exciting social life with coffee shops, bars, and superb sporting facilities, all set against the backdrop of a safe, student-oriented city. The cost of living in Loughborough is extremely low at £900 to £1,400 per month. This budget-friendliness is complemented by excellent employment opportunities within the city, which contributes to Loughborough’s exceptional performance in securing 10th among the best universities in the UK for graduate employment and a high regional employment score of 95%(GCC). In the end, this combination results in an enormous student satisfaction index, as evidenced by Loughborough’s outstanding 84.5% score for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey and its ranking among the top universities in the UK.

In terms of crime, Loughborough sees an average level of crime compared to other towns in the UK. The average number of crimes committed per 1,000 residents in Loughborough stands at 80. Some of the common crimes in Loughborough include violence, sex crime, theft of bicycles, antisocial behavior, robbery, theft from shops, and theft of vehicles.

5 Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods In Loughborough

Many university towns have areas where criminal and antisocial activity is relatively common compared to the rest of the town, which tends to be quite quiet. However, these cases tend to be crimes like theft, disorderly conduct, vandalism, and disturbances caused by the nightlife scene rather than violence. Busier areas, including those close to the centre of town, seem to have more issues with safety because there is often a lot more foot traffic and activity late at night.

1. East Ward

Crime Rate: 163 crimes per 1,000 residents

The highest rate of crime occurs in Loughborough East ward, making it the most dangerous neighbourhood in Loughborough. This ward has a score of 6/10 in terms of crime level relative to other wards in England and Wales. The ward includes densely populated residential areas that have numerous students living in them, while being near the center of town makes the area vulnerable to burglary and violence.

2. Loughborough Town Centre (Central Neighbourhood)

Crime Rate: 130–140 crimes per 1,000 residents

The Loughborough Central Town is made up of businesses, such as the market, restaurants, and pubs, which makes it among the most bustling and crime-ridden areas in the town. As one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Loughborough, the concentration of crimes happens at those places where there is a large amount of people – pubs and clubs, the station area, and outside supermarkets – as cases of shoplifting occur 1.87 times more often than the national average, and public order offenses are 1.25 times more frequent.

3. Shepshed Ward

Crime Rate: 110–120 crimes per 1,000 residents

Shepshed has a higher crime rate by 10% in comparison with the East Midlands area average and by 18% in relation to the national average of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The most frequent offenses include violence against people and sexual offenses, and shoplifting is three times higher than the national average, ranking among the top ratios within the Leicestershire area. This neighbourhood is a mixed environment with commercial, domestic, and rural properties and private and public ownership of houses. Criminal damage and arson are also 2.27 times higher compared to the national average. Finally, Shepshed was chosen as the most dangerous neighbourhood in Loughborough for shoplifting, with a frequency of 1.6 shoplifting cases per thousand residents during the daytime period in April 2024.

4. Storer Ward

Crime Rate: 110–120 crimes per 1,000 residents

The Storer Ward comprises an area highly populated by students located between the university and the town center. In terms of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Loughborough, the city sees crime occurring largely in those areas that see a lot of foot traffic and where student activity is frequent, with crime consisting mostly of theft during the day, which accounts for more than 40% of crimes reported. However, there is a sharp increase in crime relating to vehicle burglary after dark.

5. Lemyngton Ward

Crime Rate: 95–105 crimes per 1,000 residents

There were 290 crimes reported in one month in this dangerous neighbourhood in Loughborough, Lemyngton, where Swan Street emerged as the primary location for criminal activity. Lemyngton is a suburban locality located in the north-west of Charnwood and comprises both residential housing and green belts, but still registers a high rate of crimes owing to its proximity to the town center and higher-density population. Common crimes include antisocial behaviour, violent crime, and burglary.

5 Safest Neighbourhoods In Loughborough

Loughborough is mostly regarded as a safe and family-friendly town because of its university reputation, community feel, and its suburbs. There are different crime rates in different areas within the town. However, there are several best areas to live in loughborough renowned for having quiet roads, a family-oriented environment, and reduced antisocial behavior. This makes Woodthrope, Nanpantan, and Ashby some of the most sought-after neighborhoods not only by families but also by professionals and students who would like to live in a safer and quieter neighborhood.

1. Nanpantan

Safety Index: (39.3 crimes per 1,000 residents)
Nearest University: Loughborough University (10-minute drive)

Nestled in the south-western outskirts of the town, within the periphery of Charnwood Forest, Nanpantan is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Loughborough with its semi-rural ambiance featuring lined streets and traditional family houses. The very minimal presence of people in the area, coupled with its remote location away from the city center and student areas, ensures extremely low crime rates in this neighbourhood.

2. Woodthorpe

Safety Index: (65.9 per 1,000 residents)
Nearest University: Loughborough University (8-minute drive)

The best suburbs in Loughborough residential area lie towards the west side of the town center and are far away from those student areas and people, which results in lower crime rates. The suburban area attracts lots of family groups due to the availability of spacious and cheap student accommodation in Loughborough and quality schools in the area. This is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Loughborough for students to reside in. 

3. Outwoods & Shelthorpe

Safety Index: (79.6 per 1,000 residents)
Nearest University: Loughborough University (7-minute drive)

Outwoods Ward consists of a combination of the lush Outwoods part, where the main advantage is the proximity to the historic forest, along with the residential part of Shelthorpe. This is the safest neighbourhood in Loughborough, known for being mostly family-based, with not many transient residents. Approximately 12% of Loughborough Outwoods citizens were born abroad.

4. Ashby

Safety Index: (85 crimes per 1,000 residents)
Nearest University: Loughborough University (6-minute drive)

The Loughborough Ashby ward encompasses the locality of Ashby Road and its adjoining roads, which represent an older and more popular housing estate in the western part of the town, making it one of the safest neighbourhoods in Loughborough. Though the ward is located next to Storer and university estates, it has a significantly lower level of crime compared to other parts of the town. The neighbourhood attracts not only long-term residents but also professionals and postgraduate students. It should be noted that crime in Loughborough occurs primarily near pubs, nightclubs, train stations, and grocery stores, and these areas are largely absent in the Loughborough Ashby ward.

5. Southfields

Safety Index: (90-95 crimes per 1,000 residents)
Nearest University: Loughborough University (5-minute drive)

The ward of Loughborough Southfields consists of the southern housing zone in the town, comprising streets in the vicinity of Queen’s Park and those south of the town center. Although sections of the ward adjacent to the town see marginally increased levels of activity, the general level of the ward falls short of the total number for Loughborough town as a whole, thus making it one of the safest neighbourhoods in Loughborough. There has been a relatively consistent crime rate in Loughborough, with an annual rate of change standing at -3.8%. It can be seen that low-level footfall wards like Southfields exhibit this consistency compared to high footfall wards.

How amber Helps Students Find Safe Accommodation

Finding safe student accommodation in an unfamiliar city can be difficult, especially for first-year and international students. Amber helps students secure verified student accommodation in safer and student-friendly areas across Loughborough neighbourhoods and other major university cities in the UK. Some popular student accommodation in Loughborough options include:

• Foundry 1, Loughborough: £140/ Week - Amenities at this property include CCTV and Fob Entry System for safety purposes. 
• Waterways, Loughborough: £129/Week - Amenities include CCTV, Fire System, Onsite Service Team, Contents Insurance, 24/7 Assistance, and Secure Access. 
• Radmoor House, Loughborough: £167/Week - Amenities include Security Cameras, 24/7 support/warden assistance, Secure door entry, and CCTV. 
• Forest Rise, Loughborough: £180/Week - Amenities include 24-hour Security Cameras and CCTV for peace of mind. 

Emergency Hotlines And Student Support Services In Loughborough

Student Safety Tips In Loughborough

• Steer clear of deserted streets and parks, especially late at night, close to the nightlife area and the railway station area.
• Lock your bicycles properly with good quality locks since there is usually bicycle theft in neighbourhoods full of students.
• Opt for accommodations that have proper security features like electronic gates and camera surveillance.
• Go for licensed taxis or university-sponsored transport if you attend events during late hours.

Final Thoughts

Loughborough is still considered one of the safest UK cities for students, where students can have access to excellent educational facilities, low costs, and a warm community environment. Neighbourhoods like Nanpantan, Ashby, and Southfields represent some of the safest neighbourhoods in Loughborough for students, whereas areas like the Town Centre and Storer Ward go down in record for being the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Loughborough. Recognising the safest and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Loughborough, selecting confirmed housing accommodations, and observing standard safety measures can ensure that students have a secure and pleasant university life.

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