Breckland Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2024, Breckland's overall crime rate stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 37.8% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure translates to a per-capita risk that is lower than the national context, with residents facing roughly one reported crime for every 195 people over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.9% of all reported incidents. This was followed by anti-social behaviour (18.5%) and criminal damage and arson (10.5%), both of which were significantly below UK averages. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, may have influenced crime patterns, with increased tourism potentially affecting burglary rates. However, Breckland's data shows a marked reduction in property crimes compared to the UK average, particularly in shoplifting (58% below) and vehicle crime (78% below). These figures suggest a combination of local factors, such as community engagement or environmental design, that may contribute to lower-than-expected rates for certain categories. The balance between violent and property crimes also highlights the area's unique profile, with violence remaining a dominant concern despite the overall low crime rate. This dynamic underscores the importance of contextualising crime statistics within both national benchmarks and local conditions, ensuring that risk assessments reflect the specific realities of Breckland's population.

August 2024 saw a 54.5% increase in burglary, rising from 11 to 17 incidents, a spike that may correlate with the peak holiday season and increased empty homes. Shoplifting also rose by 16.2%, potentially linked to summer retail activity. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 60%, and robbery dropped by 25%, suggesting possible seasonal variations in criminal opportunity. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 39.9% of all crimes, a rate 22% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 18.5% of total crimes, was 31% below the UK average, highlighting a consistent trend in this category. These figures underscore how local dynamics, such as seasonal tourism and community engagement, may shape crime patterns without direct intervention.

Breckland's crime rate in August 2024 dropped 4.5% from July's 5.4 per 1,000 to 5.1 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of lower-than-average crime. This decline aligns with the local authority's broader pattern of maintaining rates well below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 195 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure as relatively low compared to national benchmarks. Daily crime statistics show 24 crimes reported each day in August, a figure that, when considered alongside Breckland's population of 146,620, illustrates a manageable level of risk for residents. The reduction in theft from the person by 60% and robbery by 25% suggests targeted efforts may be influencing specific crime types, though these shifts remain consistent with broader national trends rather than isolated local factors.