Breckland Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Breckland's November 2023 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 36% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, underscoring the area's consistently lower crime profile. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 44.6% of all crimes reported, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11.0%). These figures align with Breckland's rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. Seasonal factors played a notable role in shaping the crime picture, with November's shorter days and the timing of events like Bonfire Night likely influencing patterns in public order and anti-social behaviour. The area's violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 19% below the UK average, a disparity that may reflect Breckland's limited urban centres and lower population density compared to more densely populated regions. While shoplifting and vehicle crime rates remained below the UK average, the 36% gap in anti-social behaviour highlights the area's relatively harmonious social environment, even during the holiday season. The dominance of violent crime, however, suggests that targeted interventions in high-risk areas may be necessary to address this persistent category.

November 2023 saw a stark 200% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 6 incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, underscores a potential shift in criminal activity, possibly linked to the heightened foot traffic during Black Friday. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 43.5%, from 46 to 26 cases, a decline that may reflect improved security measures or seasonal changes in vehicle usage. Violent crime, though still the most common category (accounting for 44.6% of all crimes), remained 19% below the UK average (2.1 vs 2.6 per 1,000), suggesting a broader trend of lower violence in Breckland compared to the rest of the country. Anti-social behaviour also fell significantly below the UK average, with a 43% gap (0.6 vs 1.1 per 1,000), pointing to the area's relatively calm social environment despite the seasonal events of Bonfire Night.

Breckland's crime rate in November 2023 (4.8 per 1,000) marked a 6.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.1 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 23 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 209 residents, illustrating the scale of exposure relative to the population of 146,620. This monthly exposure rate, while low compared to the UK average, highlights the relatively safe environment in Breckland, particularly when considering the area's rural character and lower population density. The reduction in crime from October to November aligns with seasonal patterns, as darker evenings and the conclusion of major shopping events may contribute to a natural decline in certain types of crime.