Breckland Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Breckland's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 33.8% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This relatively low rate is driven by a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences (45.1% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (12.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9.9%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributes to the subdued overall crime rate, though violent crime remains a persistent concern. The area's rural character, with limited urban density and fewer concentrated nightlife or retail hubs, may explain the lower incidence of theft from the person (0.4 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000) compared to more densely populated regions. However, the dominance of violence and sexual offences suggests a need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies, particularly in areas with higher social interaction or transient populations. The absence of major urban centres or tourist attractions in Breckland further aligns with the lower rates of vehicle crime and public order offences, though the sharp rise in robbery cases highlights an emerging trend that warrants attention.

February 2024 saw a dramatic 200% increase in robbery cases, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a stark contrast to other categories that declined. This surge in robbery, coupled with a 23.6% rise in criminal damage and arson (from 55 to 68), suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 45.3% (from 64 to 35), and vehicle crime dropped by 31.8% (from 22 to 15), possibly reflecting seasonal lulls or targeted interventions. Breckland's violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) remains 16% below the UK average, while shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000) is 44% below the national figure. However, 'other crime' (0.2 per 1,000) is 43% above the UK average, indicating a small but notable divergence in this category. These fluctuations suggest that while some areas of Breckland remain safer than the national average, others require closer monitoring.

Breckland's crime rate in February 2024 (4.7 per 1,000 residents) marked a 6.0% decrease from January's 5.0 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, 24 crimes were reported across 29 days, a figure that translates to a local monthly exposure of one crime for every 213 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, with Breckland's overall crime profile showing marked disparities in specific categories. For instance, violent crimes in Breckland (2.1 per 1,000) are 16% below the UK average, while vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) is 77% below the national level. These differences underscore Breckland's unique demographic and geographic characteristics, which likely contribute to its distinct crime patterns compared to larger urban areas. The population context further highlights that, despite the relatively low crime rate, residents experience a manageable frequency of incidents, with no single category dominating the monthly tally.