Dereham Crime Rate

Dereham is a safe and well-established market town with an overall crime rate of 85.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is lower than the UK national average of 91.7, indicating a secure environment for its 20,916 residents. The town boasts a safety score of 81/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79, further confirming its status as a safe place to live and work. The recent crime trend in Dereham is stable, with a minimal year-over-year decrease of 0.4%. This consistency suggests that local safety measures are effective and that the town is not experiencing any significant shifts in criminal activity. These statistics provide a reassuring context for those considering moving to or operating a business in the area.

Dereham Crime Breakdown

In Dereham, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which makes up 37.9% of all reports with 675 incidents. Shoplifting is the second most common offence at 18.2%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.0%. The high percentage of shoplifting indicates that commercial areas in the town centre are the primary hotspots for these types of incidents.

Property crime in Dereham is recorded at a rate of 31.3 per 1,000 people, which is very close to the UK average of 32.3. This total includes burglary (29 cases), vehicle crime (27 cases), and shoplifting (324 cases). While burglary and vehicle crime rates are relatively low, the high volume of shoplifting and other theft means that property-related offences are a daily reality for local businesses. For homeowners, the low burglary rate (1.4 per 1,000) is a positive indicator of residential safety, though the overall property crime rate suggests that basic security precautions remain necessary to protect against opportunistic theft.

Dereham Crime Trends

The crime trend in Dereham is currently classified as stable, with a minimal year-over-year decrease of 0.4%. This indicates that the town is maintaining a very consistent safety profile. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people typically fluctuated between 6.2 and 8.3.

A notable peak occurred in July 2025, with a rate of 8.3 per 1,000, which may be attributed to increased footfall and activity during the summer months. Conversely, the lowest rates were recorded in April and November, both at 6.2. This relative stability throughout the year suggests that there are no significant emerging threats or spikes in specific criminal activities. For residents and local business owners, these trends provide a sense of predictability and reassurance that the town's safety environment is well-regulated and consistent.

How To Keep Safe in Dereham

The most common crime type in Dereham is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in high-traffic or commercial areas. To stay safe, residents should practice good situational awareness, especially when walking through the town centre during the evening. Sticking to well-lit main roads and avoiding isolated shortcuts is always a sensible precaution.

Given that shoplifting is the second most common crime, business owners in Dereham should ensure their premises are equipped with clear signage and effective surveillance. For residents, the low but present risk of burglary (1.4 per 1,000) and vehicle crime suggests that simple habits—such as double-checking door locks and ensuring no valuables are left in cars—are highly effective. Joining a local community safety group or Neighbourhood Watch can also help you stay informed about any recent trends in your specific part of town. By remaining vigilant and looking out for neighbours, the Dereham community can continue to maintain its high safety standards.

Dereham Crime Time Patterns

Criminal activity in Dereham shows distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm to 6pm) is the most active for theft-related offences, including shoplifting, which accounts for 47% of crimes during this window. This aligns with peak retail hours in the town centre. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm to 12am), 'other' crime types, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more dominant, representing 67% of reports.

During the late-night and early morning hours (12am to 6am), the overall volume of crime is lower, but the nature of offences shifts towards property. Vehicle crime reaches its highest proportion at 20% of night-time incidents, and burglary accounts for 13%. This suggests that while the town is generally quieter at night, vehicles and homes are at their most vulnerable. Morning hours (6am to 12pm) see a return to theft-related activity as businesses open, making up 43% of offences in that period.

In the local context, Dereham serves as a central hub, and its crime statistics reflect this. Compared to very small neighbouring settlements like Yaxham, Clint Green, and Beetley, which report virtually no crime, Dereham's rate of 85.2 is naturally higher. However, when compared to the nearby village of Swanton Morley, which has a crime rate of 44.8, Dereham remains a safe urban choice despite its higher volume of commercial activity. For those looking for a balance between town amenities and a secure environment, Dereham offers a much safer alternative to the larger urban centres in the region, such as Norwich, while maintaining a manageable safety profile compared to its rural neighbours.

Home Security in Dereham

With a property crime rate of 31.3 per 1,000 people, Dereham residents should be mindful of home security, even though the burglary rate is relatively low. Most property crimes in the area are opportunistic, targeting homes that appear vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarm kits or standard CCTV, often only alert you or provide footage after a crime has been committed. In a town like Dereham, proactive protection is a much more effective way to safeguard your property.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using intelligent boundary detection, scOS can identify a potential intruder before they even reach your door. Its autonomous response system can instantly activate lights or speakers, surprising the criminal and encouraging them to move on. Most burglars decide whether to target a property within 60 seconds; a visible, professional-grade system like scOS makes that decision easy for them. By focusing on prevention rather than reaction, scOS ensures that your Dereham home remains a secure sanctuary.