Breckland Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Breckland's crime rate for May 2024 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 33.3% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure is particularly notable given the stark contrast with shoplifting rates, which were 69% below the UK average. The most common category of crime in the area was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.4% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.4%. These figures suggest a combination of local demographics and crime patterns. Seasonal factors may play a role, as May typically sees extended daylight hours and increased outdoor activity, which could influence both crime types and reporting rates. The relatively low levels of property-related crimes, such as burglary and vehicle crime, which were 68% and 79% below UK averages respectively, might reflect the rural character of much of Breckland, where higher visibility and community policing could contribute to reduced opportunities for such offences. However, the high proportion of violent crimes—despite being 12% below the UK average—suggests that local factors, such as social dynamics or demographic composition, may have a more pronounced effect on this category. The overall crime rate, while significantly lower than the UK average, still requires ongoing monitoring to identify any emerging trends or areas of concern.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with drugs-related offences rising by 60.0% compared to the previous month, marking the most substantial increase. Public order offences also surged by 53.3%, potentially linked to the extended evenings and increased socialising associated with the May bank holiday period. Conversely, theft from the person decreased by 66.7%, a drop that may reflect heightened awareness or improved security measures in public spaces. The rate of shoplifting in Breckland was 0.2 per 1,000, 69% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000—a stark contrast that could be attributed to the area's lower retail density or effective local policing strategies. Vehicle crime, though still relatively low, rose by 35.7%, suggesting a possible seasonal trend as more residents take to the roads during the warmer weather. These variations highlight the importance of considering both local context and broader national trends when analysing crime data. For residents, the significant reduction in theft from the person offers a tangible example of how targeted interventions or community initiatives might be influencing crime patterns in the area.

The crime rate in Breckland for May 2024 was 5.6 per 1,000 residents, a 6.5% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.3 per 1,000. This upward shift, while modest, indicates a potential seasonal pattern as May transitions into summer, with longer evenings potentially influencing crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while lower than the UK average, provides a concrete measure of local activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in Breckland compared to other areas. When contextualised within the population of 146,620, this rate suggests that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives, though the distribution of crime types remains uneven. The disparity between Breckland's crime profile and the UK average highlights the importance of localised factors, such as community engagement, policing strategies, and the area's rural character, in shaping crime outcomes. These comparisons offer residents a clearer understanding of how their area's safety profile aligns with national trends.