Breckland Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Breckland

Breckland presents a crime rate of 57.1 per 1,000 people per year, placing it notably below the UK average of 93.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. This contributes to an impressive safety score of 86 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the national average of 78. In the past year, Breckland has experienced a stable trend, with a slight decrease of 4.8% in overall crime. This overview provides a foundational understanding of the area's safety profile, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of specific crime types and trends within the district.

About Breckland

Breckland, a predominantly rural district in Norfolk, encompasses a mix of market towns, villages, and vast agricultural landscapes. Its character is largely defined by its open spaces and close-knit communities, which inherently contribute to a lower population density compared to more urbanised areas. This rural setting and the associated lifestyle often correlate with reduced opportunities for certain types of crime, such as those prevalent in densely populated commercial or nightlife districts. The district benefits from strong community ties, where residents often look out for one another, fostering a sense of collective safety. While there are some transport hubs and local commercial centres, the overall pace of life and limited transient population compared to major cities help to maintain its relatively low crime rate and high safety score. The economic activities are primarily agricultural and light industry, which typically do not attract the same crime profiles as large urban economies. These inherent characteristics of Breckland play a significant role in shaping its crime statistics and overall safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Breckland

An analysis of crime types in Breckland reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, with 3,586 reported crimes, equating to 24.5 per 1,000 people and representing 42.8% of all offences. Following this, Anti-social behaviour accounts for 1,149 incidents (7.8 per 1,000, 13.7%), and Criminal damage and arson stands at 815 crimes (5.6 per 1,000, 9.7%). Collectively, property-related crimes, which include burglary, other theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, robbery, and theft from the person, account for a rate of 16.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this lower property crime rate suggests a comparatively reduced risk, though vigilance and appropriate security measures remain important across all crime categories.

Crime Trends in Breckland

Breckland has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a 4.8% decrease in overall crime compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated. October 2024 saw a rate of 5.0, which then dipped to 4.1 in December 2024, indicating a positive short-term reduction towards the end of the year. However, rates rebounded to 5.0 in January 2025 before generally hovering between 4.5 and 4.9 through the spring and summer, with a slight peak at 5.5 in July 2025. The most recent data for September 2025 shows a rate of 4.5. This stable-to-slightly-decreasing trend indicates that while there are monthly variations, the overall situation has not seen a significant escalation, which can offer some reassurance to residents.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Breckland's crime statistics with its neighbouring areas, a clearer regional context emerges. Breckland's overall crime rate of 57.1 per 1,000 people is considerably lower than that of Norwich, which typically experiences higher urban crime rates. Compared to more rural or mixed areas like King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Broadland, West Suffolk, North Norfolk, and South Norfolk, Breckland generally maintains a favourable position, often demonstrating a lower crime rate and a higher safety score. This suggests that Breckland benefits from its predominantly rural and suburban characteristics, contributing to a safer environment within the broader region of Norfolk and Suffolk. Residents can appreciate Breckland's relatively strong safety performance in the local context.

Protecting Your Home in Breckland

Given Breckland's property crime rate of 16.9 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, proactive home security remains a critical consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV systems can provide valuable footage after an incident, they often fall short in actively preventing crime. Many DIY security solutions also primarily notify you after a threat has already materialised. For those seeking a more robust defence, a professional-grade system like scOS offers a proactive approach. It's designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in, rather than simply recording the event.

scOS uses AI and multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property simultaneously, learning your routines to minimise false alarms. Its ability to verify vehicles and engage with intruders through lights and speakers can destroy the element of surprise, a key deterrent for burglars who often make their decision within 60 seconds. Opting for professional security signals serious protection, making your property less appealing to criminals. This shift from reactive recording to proactive prevention can significantly enhance your home's security and your peace of mind in Breckland.