Dereham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 20,916, Dereham recorded 151 crimes in January 2024, translating to a crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 2.7% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest rates in the region for this period. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark dominance of violent offences, which accounted for 51.7% of the total, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.6%) and shoplifting (6.6%). This concentration of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences constitute 42% of all crimes, suggesting Dereham may face unique local pressures contributing to this trend. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—likely influences the distribution of crimes, with fewer outdoor activities potentially reducing opportunities for property-related offences. However, the high proportion of violent crime may reflect factors such as social dynamics in the built-up area or the impact of cold weather on community interactions. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (3.3 per 1,000) and burglary (1.3 per 1,000) compared to the UK average could indicate effective local policing strategies or a lower density of high-risk environments such as car parks or unsecured properties. These patterns warrant further analysis to understand whether they represent long-term trends or temporary fluctuations tied to seasonal conditions.

January 2024 saw a 14.4% increase in Dereham’s overall crime rate compared to December 2023, driven by a 600% surge in 'other crime' and a 100% rise in shoplifting. These spikes, though small in absolute terms, highlight shifting patterns in criminal activity. The category 'other crime'—which includes offences not easily classified—jumped from one reported incident to seven, suggesting potential underreporting or evolving types of crime not captured in standard categories. Conversely, burglary dropped by 84.6% (from 13 to 2 incidents), a decline that may reflect improved security measures or reduced opportunities during the winter months. The rate of violent and sexual offences (3.7 per 1,000) is 42% above the UK average, a disparity that could be attributed to local factors such as the built-up area’s density or the presence of specific high-risk locations like public transport hubs. Meanwhile, shoplifting in Dereham is 12% below the UK average (0.5 vs 0.6 per 1,000), due to fewer retail outlets or stronger in-store security. These contrasts with the UK data underscore the importance of localized analysis, as national averages may not fully capture the nuances of smaller built-up areas. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp increase in 'other crime,' which could include incidents like vandalism or nuisance behaviour that may not be immediately apparent to the wider community.

Dereham’s crime rate in January 2024 (7.2 per 1,000) marks a 14.4% increase from December 2023’s rate of 6.3 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five crimes per day, a figure that may seem manageable but represents a consistent presence of criminal activity in a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 139 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Dereham slightly above the UK average for similar-sized built-up areas. This statistic, however, does not account for variations in reporting rates or the effectiveness of local policing. When compared to the UK overall, Dereham’s rate remains 2.7% below the national average, a small but meaningful difference that could indicate the success of targeted interventions or the area’s unique socioeconomic profile. The population context is critical: with 20,916 residents, the 151 recorded crimes equate to a manageable number on a per capita basis, though the concentration of violent crime—accounting for over half of all incidents—suggests that certain segments of the community may be affected. This contrast with the UK average, where property crimes often dominate, highlights the need for tailored approaches to address the specific challenges facing Dereham.