Breckland Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Breckland's overall crime rate in June 2024 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure 39.0% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This marks a continued trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the district, which encompasses both rural and semi-rural areas with smaller towns and villages. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.4% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.7% and criminal damage and arson at 8.6%. These figures contrast with the UK averages for these categories, where violence and sexual offences are 17% higher, anti-social behaviour 50% higher, and criminal damage and arson 34% higher. Seasonal factors may play a role in these patterns: as June marks the start of summer, increased daylight hours and the early onset of tourism in nearby coastal areas could influence crime dynamics. However, Breckland's lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (68% below UK average) and vehicle crime (78% below) suggest a different crime profile compared to more densely populated regions. The relatively low incidence of theft from the person (100% below UK average) and bicycle theft (100% below) may reflect the district's lower population density and reduced urban foot traffic. While violence remains the most common crime type, the proportion of violent crimes to total crimes (46.4%) is slightly lower than the UK average, which could indicate effective community policing or other local factors contributing to crime prevention. The data also shows a significant drop in the rate of drugs offences (52% below UK average), which may be linked to targeted interventions or the district's demographic characteristics. These findings highlight the need for continued analysis of local crime patterns to ensure that community safety measures remain aligned with the evolving needs of Breckland's population.

June 2024 saw notable reductions in several crime categories compared to the previous month. Drugs offences decreased by 37.5%, from 32 to 20, marking one of the most significant month-on-month declines. Vehicle crime also fell by 31.6%, dropping from 19 to 13, a trend consistent with the district's overall 10.9% reduction in crime rate compared to May. This decline in vehicle crime may reflect seasonal factors, as summer months typically see reduced vehicle theft in areas with less urban density. Public order offences also decreased by 23.2%, from 69 to 53, suggesting a potential correlation with the start of summer holidays and the associated reduction in public gatherings. However, not all categories showed declines: 'other crime' increased by 75.0%, rising from 16 to 28, and possession of weapons offences rose by 55.6%, from 9 to 14. These increases, though modest in absolute terms, warrant further examination, particularly given the district's generally lower crime profile. The data also reveals that Breckland's rates for several crime types are significantly below UK averages. For instance, shoplifting in Breckland was 68% lower than the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the district's limited retail presence compared to larger urban centres. Similarly, the rate of vehicle crime was 78% below the UK average, reflecting the lower number of vehicles in residential areas and the reduced likelihood of high-value targets. These comparisons underscore the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to the unique characteristics of Breckland, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address both persistent and emerging issues.

Breckland's crime rate in June 2024 was 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a 10.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.6 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the district's broader trend of maintaining crime levels well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Breckland experienced an average of 24 reported crimes per day in June, a figure that provides context for residents seeking to understand local crime frequency. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 201 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average for most local authority areas. This statistic is particularly meaningful when considering Breckland's population of 146,620 residents, as it illustrates the relative safety of the district compared to more densely populated regions. The low crime rate, combined with the district's rural character, suggests that factors such as community cohesion, lower population density, and limited urban centres may contribute to the reduced likelihood of certain crime types. However, the increase in 'other crime' and possession of weapons offences highlights the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends. While the daily crime figure may seem high in absolute terms, it is important to contextualise it within the broader demographic and geographic profile of Breckland. The district's relatively low crime rates for theft-related offences, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, further reinforce the idea that Breckland's unique characteristics—such as its rural landscape and smaller towns—play a significant role in shaping its crime profile. These comparisons provide valuable insights for residents and local authorities, enabling a more nuanced understanding of how Breckland's crime patterns differ from those of other areas across the UK.