Dereham Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dereham's overall crime rate for October 2024 stood at 6.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16% below the UK average of 8.1. This improvement, while modest, reflects a broader trend of reduced crime in the built-up area of Breckland, a region characterized by a mix of rural and urban influences. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.2% of all reported incidents. This high proportion may be linked to the area's social fabric, where community interactions and local dynamics could contribute to such patterns. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour followed closely, each contributing 16.9% of total crimes. Shoplifting rates in Dereham were 67% above the UK average, influenced by the presence of retail hubs or seasonal factors such as Halloween, which can increase foot traffic and opportunities for theft. Meanwhile, public order offences and criminal damage were significantly below UK levels, with the latter category down 49% compared to the national average. This could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives targeting these areas. The seasonal context of October, with shorter days and the transition into colder weather, may have influenced crime patterns, though the exact relationship remains to be explored. Overall, Dereham's crime profile in October 2024 illustrates a combination of local characteristics and broader national trends, with some areas showing marked improvement while others require continued attention.

October 2024 saw a significant 66.7% decrease in bicycle theft, the most notable drop in the month, with incidents falling from 3 to 1. This may be attributed to increased awareness during the Halloween period or seasonal changes in cycling activity. Conversely, robbery incidents rose by 100%, jumping from 0 to 2, a sharp increase that warrants attention. The proportion of violent crimes in Dereham (47.2% of total crimes) remains higher than the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 3.2 per 1,000, 20% above the national rate. This could be linked to local factors such as the town's demographics or social dynamics. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates in Dereham were 67% above the UK average, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in retail areas. The drop in criminal damage and arson by 53.8% may reflect improved community engagement or seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity as the weather turned colder.

Dereham's crime rate in October 2024 fell by 11.2% compared to the previous month, dropping from 7.7 to 6.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the broader trend of lower crime rates in the built-up area of Breckland, where seasonal factors may have played a role. Locally, the average of 5 crimes reported per day in October highlights a manageable pace of activity, though this figure remains specific to Dereham and cannot be directly compared to national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 147 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Dereham below the UK average when considering its overall rate of 6.8 per 1,000. This suggests that while crime remains a concern, the local population faces a lower risk of encountering crime than the national average. The reduction in certain categories, such as burglary and criminal damage, may reflect seasonal adjustments in community activity or local enforcement efforts. However, the population context also reveals that with 20,916 residents, even small changes in crime rates can have meaningful impacts on community perception and safety.