Dereham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dereham's crime profile in January 2026 reveals a mix of stability and emerging trends, with the area recording 134 crimes—a rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents, 5.9% below the UK average. This figure, when contextualised against Dereham's population of 20,916, translates to a crime volume that is proportionally lower than the national benchmark. The most significant contribution to the total crime count came from violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 38.8% of all reported incidents (52 cases). This was followed by anti-social behaviour (12.7%) and shoplifting (12.7%), both of which showed contrasting trends: anti-social behaviour remained 14% below the UK average, while shoplifting rose to 40% above the national rate. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the lower prevalence of outdoor crimes typical of other months. However, the sharp increase in public order offences, which jumped from four to 12 cases, suggests heightened tensions in public spaces. This shift may be influenced by the area's character as a built-up rural community, where seasonal transitions can amplify social interactions in limited communal areas. The relatively low burglary rate (1.5% of total crimes) aligns with the area's lower population density and rural infrastructure, though the 64% drop below the UK average for this category indicates effective local deterrence measures. The crime picture illustrates a balance between persistent challenges in violent crime and emerging concerns in public order, reflecting the dynamic nature of community safety in Dereham.

January 2026 saw stark shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences more than doubling from December to 12 cases. This increase, coupled with a 100% rise in burglary and a 66.7% jump in other theft, suggests evolving challenges in community policing. Shoplifting rates fell by 15%, aligning with the post-holiday lull in retail footfall. Anti-social behaviour also declined, remaining 14% below the UK average. The most striking anomaly was the 186% increase in possession of weapons offences, which rose from six to four cases. This figure, though small, warrants attention given its significant deviation from the UK average. Residents may find the 40% above-average rate for shoplifting relevant, as it reflects local retail vulnerabilities despite the overall downward trend. The contrast between rising public order crimes and falling vehicle crime—now 73% below the UK average—illustrates the combination of factors affecting different offence categories.

Dereham's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, matching the same figure recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in local crime dynamics, though seasonal factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four reported crimes each day, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 156 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents, placing Dereham's experience in context with its population size. While the daily crime count appears modest, the distribution across crime types reveals distinct trends. For instance, the sharp rise in public order offences—jumping from four to 12 cases—contrasts with the drop in vehicle crime, which fell 73% below the UK average. These variations highlight the need to examine specific categories when assessing safety, as overall rates can mask significant local differences.