INTELLIGENCE

Crime Data Glossary

A comprehensive guide to understanding UK police data, census boundaries, and the terminology used across our platform.

Geographic & Census Boundaries

LSOA (Lower Layer Super Output Area)

A geographic hierarchy designed to improve the reporting of small area statistics. In England and Wales, LSOAs have an average population of 1,500 people or 650 households. When we refer to a "micro-neighbourhood", we are typically referring to an LSOA.

MSOA (Middle Layer Super Output Area)

Built from groups of contiguous LSOAs. MSOAs have an average population of 7,200 people. This is the optimal geographic level for understanding general neighbourhood crime trends.

Ward

Electoral wards are the key building blocks of UK administrative geography, used for electing local government councillors. They vary significantly in population size but are often the most recognizable "neighbourhood" name for residents.

LTLA (Lower Tier Local Authority)

Often referred to as a "City", "Borough", or "District" on our platform. Examples include "Manchester", "Leeds", or "Westminster". This is the primary level at which we calculate national rankings.

Outcode (Postcode District)

The first half of a postcode (e.g., "SW1A" or "M1"). We use outcodes to provide localized intelligence reports for property buyers and renters.

Crime Categories

ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour)

Includes personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. This covers everything from neighbor disputes and street drinking to vandalism and noise complaints.

Violence and Sexual Offences

A broad category that includes offences against the person such as common assaults, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and sexual offences.

Burglary

Includes offences where a person enters a house or other building with the intention of stealing.

Vehicle Crime

Includes theft from or of a vehicle or interference with a vehicle.

Metrics & Methodology

Crime Rate (per 1,000)

The number of crimes recorded in a specific area, divided by the population of that area, and multiplied by 1,000. This standardizes the data so that highly populated areas can be fairly compared to sparsely populated ones.

Reporting Lag

The time delay between a crime occurring and the data being published by the Home Office. This is typically 1 to 2 months.

Want to learn more? Read our full Methodology report to see exactly how we calculate rankings and source our data.

In This Guide

Geographic Boundaries
Crime Categories
Metrics & Methodology

Are we missing a term?

If you've encountered a term on our platform that isn't explained here, let our intelligence team know.