Dereham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Dereham's crime profile in July 2024, accounting for 38.1% of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents—matching the UK average—the area's profile is shaped by seasonal dynamics. The peak of summer, with schools closed and tourism at its height, likely contributes to patterns seen in anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which together make up 28.4% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences in Dereham are 12% above the UK average (2.9 per 1,000), suggesting local factors that may amplify interpersonal conflict during this time of year. While property crime remains a concern, it accounts for only 25.6% of incidents, with shoplifting and burglary rates below the UK average. The town's built-up character within Breckland—likely featuring a mix of residential areas, retail hubs, and community spaces—may explain the balance between property and violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.5 per 1,000, is 3% above the UK average, linked to increased foot traffic during festivals and events. These patterns align with the broader seasonal context of July, when outdoor activities and social gatherings are at their peak. direct links to specific locations, but the combination of tourism and local demographics may create conditions where certain crimes are more prevalent.

July 2024 saw a 300% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This sharp rise may reflect the influx of visitors during summer festivals, with more vehicles parked in public spaces. Other crime also surged by 100%, with 7 incidents reported—double the previous month's figure. This category includes unclassified incidents, which could encompass a range of low-level offences. Conversely, other theft dropped by 75% (from 8 to 2), likely due to increased police patrols during peak tourist season. Possession of weapons fell by 71.4% (from 7 to 2), linked to improved community engagement initiatives. Shoplifting decreased by 13.3%, with incidents dropping from 15 to 13, though this remains above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, both elevated above UK levels, may indicate challenges in managing crowds during events. The data shows a clear shift in crime mix, with violent crime comprising 38.1% of incidents—higher than the UK average—while property crime remains below the national rate. Residents may find the daily crime count of 6 incidents useful for context, though this includes both violent and non-violent offences.

Dereham's crime rate in July 2024 (8.4 per 1,000) represents a 9.2% increase from June's 7.7 per 1,000, marking the highest monthly rate since at least the previous year. This rise, while statistically significant, remains within the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 6 crimes per day—a figure that includes both violent and non-violent incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 119 residents, a monthly exposure rate that translates to a 0.84% chance of being affected by crime. This figure is slightly lower than the UK average, which typically sees one in every 120 residents affected monthly. The population context—20,916 residents—means that even with the 9.2% increase, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. The shift from June to July highlights seasonal fluctuations, with the rise in violent crime possibly linked to the summer break and increased social activity. While the overall rate matches the UK average, specific categories like criminal damage and arson (59% above the UK average) suggest localised pressures that may not be fully captured in national statistics. These comparisons offer residents a frame of reference for understanding their community's safety profile in relation to both national trends and local conditions.