Anti-social behaviour can significantly affect the quality of life for residents of Dereham, as it can anywhere. While Dereham, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Breckland, demonstrates a relatively good safety profile, understanding the impact of anti-social behaviour is essential.
Dereham has a population of 20,916. Compared to the UK average, Dereham’s crime rate stands at 84.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Furthermore, the area boasts a safety score of 81 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This suggests that, overall, Dereham is perceived as a relatively safe place to live.
However, anti-social behaviour, which encompasses a wide range of disruptive and often intimidating actions, can erode this sense of safety. While specific data on the types of anti-social behaviour prevalent in Dereham isn't available in this data set, its presence, regardless of form, contributes to feelings of unease, fear, and a diminished sense of community. Even relatively minor incidents can cumulatively impact residents' enjoyment of their homes and public spaces. A lower crime rate doesn't negate the impact of behaviours like noise disturbances, vandalism, or public intoxication.
It's important to note that the safety score of 81/100 reflects an overall perception of safety, and doesn’t directly measure the prevalence or impact of anti-social behaviour specifically. The fact that the crime rate is slightly below the national average is a positive indicator, but ongoing vigilance and community action remain vital to maintaining a high quality of life for all residents of Dereham.