Dereham Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dereham’s crime rate in October 2025 stood at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, 2.6% below the UK average of 7.7. This relative improvement highlights the area’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safer environment, despite the seasonal challenges of darker evenings and the Halloween period. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 32.7% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.4 per 1,000—10% below the UK average. This suggests that local initiatives targeting violent crime may be yielding results. Shoplifting, the second most common crime, rose sharply to 34 incidents, an 112.5% increase from September, and now sits at 1.6 per 1,000—154% above the UK average. This discrepancy may reflect the area’s retail presence, which could drive shoplifting during peak shopping periods. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 200%, reaching 18 incidents, or 0.9 per 1,000, though this remains 29% below the UK average. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic and nightlife activity. The seasonal context of October, with clocks going back and shorter daylight hours, likely contributes to increased anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, as these conditions can amplify feelings of isolation and reduce natural surveillance. However, the continued below-average rates for violent crime and burglary indicate that Dereham’s broader crime profile remains more favourable than the national average, even as specific categories face upward pressure.

October saw sharp increases in anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and vehicle crime, with anti-social behaviour surging by 200% compared to the previous month. This rise in anti-social behaviour, now accounting for 11.5% of total crimes, may partly explain the higher overall rate despite the area’s continued performance below the UK average for violent crimes. Shoplifting, the second most common crime type, rose by 112.5% to 34 incidents, far outpacing the UK average by 154%. This spike could reflect seasonal factors such as Halloween, which often correlates with increased retail activity and potential for theft. Conversely, other theft and burglary both declined significantly, with other theft falling 82.4% and burglary dropping 66.7%, suggesting a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes during the month. These contrasting trends illustrate the combination of local dynamics and broader seasonal influences on crime patterns.

Dereham's crime rate in October 2025 rose by 13.9% compared to the previous month, increasing from 6.6 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents. While this marks an upward trend, the area remains 2.6% below the UK average, highlighting a relative improvement in safety. On a daily basis, the local figure shows approximately five crimes reported each day, a manageable frequency for a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 134 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not negligible, suggests a lower concentration of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This figure contextualises the impact of crime on daily life, offering residents a tangible measure of risk. The population-scaled perspective further underscores that Dereham’s crime profile, though showing recent increases, still aligns with a generally safer trajectory than the national average. These figures should be considered alongside local factors such as seasonal transitions and community initiatives that may influence reporting patterns.