Breckland Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Breckland's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, 33.3% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked disparity highlights a unique crime profile shaped by the district's geography and social dynamics. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the dominant category, accounting for 45.4% of all crimes—far exceeding the UK average of 12% for this category. This overrepresentation may reflect Breckland's mix of rural and urban areas, where isolated incidents in sparsely populated regions could contribute to higher rates of violent crime. Meanwhile, property-related offences such as burglary and vehicle crime were underrepresented, with burglary at 0.1 per 1,000 (68% below the UK average) and vehicle crime at 0.1 per 1,000 (79% below). These figures suggest that Breckland's lower property crime rates may be linked to its lower population density and stronger community engagement. The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings and bank holidays—may have contributed to increased socialising and public drinking, which could partially explain the rise in public order offences and the sustained focus on violence and sexual offences. While the overall rate remains well below the national average, the distinct distribution of crime types underscores the need for tailored approaches to policing and community safety initiatives that address the specific challenges of this area.

Violence and sexual offences dominated Breckland's crime profile in May, comprising 45.4% of all reported crimes—far exceeding the UK average of 12% for this category. Month-on-month, drugs-related crimes surged by 60%, rising from 20 to 32, while public order offences increased by 53.3% (45 to 69). Conversely, theft from the person fell sharply by 66.7% (3 to 1), and vehicle crime rose by 35.7% (14 to 19). The stark underperformance of shoplifting in Breckland—69% below the UK average—suggests a local trend that could be linked to the district's lower retail density or higher levels of community policing. These shifts indicate a dynamic crime environment influenced by seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which may have contributed to the rise in public order issues.

Breckland's crime rate in May 2024 rose 6.5% from 5.3 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a slight upward trend. This translates to 26 reported crimes per day locally, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the district. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 179 residents, a metric that highlights the monthly exposure rather than daily frequency. With a population of 146,620, the rate remains significantly below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The local context suggests that while crime is relatively low, the distribution across categories differs markedly from the national profile, with a notable emphasis on violent crimes and a marked absence of property-related offences. This contrast with the UK average underscores the unique character of Breckland's crime profile, which may be influenced by its rural-urban mix and seasonal dynamics.