Dereham Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dereham's overall crime rate in October 2023 stood at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16.2% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions within Breckland, a predominantly rural district. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.3% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and criminal damage and arson (7.9%). These figures align with patterns typical of small urban centres where interpersonal disputes and property-related incidents dominate. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping these trends, as October brought shorter evenings and the approach of Halloween, which can influence both public order incidents and anti-social behaviour. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Dereham matched the UK average exactly, suggesting that local policing efforts may have effectively mitigated potential spikes associated with seasonal transitions. The relatively low levels of property crime—accounting for just 28.8% of all incidents—contrast with national trends, potentially reflecting the area's lower population density and the absence of high-traffic retail hubs that typically drive shoplifting and vehicle crime. While direct causal links, the consistency of Dereham's performance against the UK average suggests that local initiatives, combined with the area's character as a semi-rural commuter hub, may contribute to its comparatively stable crime profile.

October 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 700% compared to the previous month, rising from 1 to 8 incidents. This sharp increase, though still below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased car usage during darker evenings or the timing of local events. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 21.1% (from 71 to 56), suggesting a possible reduction in alcohol-fuelled incidents during the early autumn period. The category of 'other crime' also rose sharply by 150%, with reports jumping from 2 to 5. While this does not align with any specific UK average comparison, it highlights the need for further local analysis to identify emerging trends. Anti-social behaviour, which contributed 17.3% of all crimes, remained 6% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's quieter character compared to larger urban centres. The rate of possession of weapons in Dereham was 43% above the UK average, though this category accounted for only 0.7% of all crimes reported, indicating a relatively minor but noteworthy discrepancy. These shifts underscore the importance of context-specific policing strategies, as the area's unique mix of residential and semi-rural environments may influence the types of incidents that occur.

Dereham's crime rate in October 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, with no significant change in the overall rate (6.7 per 1,000, a -0.6% variation). This consistency contrasts with broader UK trends, where the national average typically sees more pronounced seasonal fluctuations. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 4 incidents per day over the 31-day period, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the pace at which crimes occur in the community. On a population-scaled basis, the monthly exposure metric reveals that one crime was reported for every 150 residents—a ratio that suggests a relatively low level of risk for individuals living in the area. When compared to the UK average, Dereham's performance highlights the effectiveness of local policing in maintaining stability, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which were both significantly below national rates. However, the elevated rate of 'other crime' and possession of weapons, though minor in absolute terms, indicates areas where targeted interventions could yield further improvements. These comparisons reinforce the value of localized data in understanding crime dynamics, as national averages often mask the unique characteristics of individual communities.