Dereham Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dereham's crime profile in May 2025 reveals a striking imbalance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 46.9% of all reported incidents. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where such crimes account for only 13% of the total. The area's crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents—16.0% below the UK average—suggests a combination of local factors and broader regional trends. Shoplifting remains a persistent issue, with 26 cases reported (18.2% of total crimes) and a rate 79% above the UK average. This may be attributed to Dereham's retail presence and the influence of seasonal factors, such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity during May. Anti-social behaviour also rose significantly, potentially linked to the month's bank holidays and socialising patterns. Meanwhile, property crimes—primarily shoplifting and vehicle crime—account for just 28.6% of all incidents, compared to 46.9% for violent crimes. This imbalance could reflect broader socioeconomic trends, such as the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces. The UK comparison highlights Dereham's relative safety, though the sharp increase in violence and criminal damage suggests the need for targeted interventions. Seasonal context, including warmer weather and extended daylight hours, may also contribute to the rise in outdoor-related crimes.

May 2025 saw a 39.6% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 48 to 67 cases. This surge, combined with a 62.5% jump in criminal damage and arson (from 8 to 13), indicates a shift in the crime mix toward more severe incidents. Shoplifting, at 26 cases, remains 79% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, suggesting local factors—such as retail activity or policing strategies—may influence this category. Conversely, other crime cases dropped 85.7% (from 7 to 1), a dramatic decline that could reflect improved reporting practices or targeted interventions. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply by 61.5% (from 13 to 21), linked to May's longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, with violent crimes now accounting for 46.9% of all incidents, compared to 18.2% for shoplifting.

Dereham's crime rate in May 2025 rose 10.9% from April's 6.2 per 1,000 to 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. Locally, this translates to roughly five crimes reported each day, a figure that highlights the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 146 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population. This statistic is particularly relevant for residents considering long-term safety in the area. When compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, Dereham's rate remains 16.0% lower, a notable contrast that suggests local factors—such as community policing efforts or demographic characteristics—may play a role in sustaining lower rates despite the recent increase. The population context further illustrates that while the rate is below the national average, the absolute number of crimes (143) still represents a tangible challenge for local authorities.