Breckland Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a district with 146,620 residents, 695 reported crimes in September 2024 equate to a rate of 4.7 per 1,000 people—39% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure represents a significant contrast to national trends, with Breckland’s crime profile shaped by a combination of local factors and seasonal rhythms. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences (304 incidents, 43.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (105, 15.1%) and criminal damage and arson (71, 10.2%). These patterns may partly explain the area’s lower-than-average rates for property crimes, which collectively account for just 27% of all incidents. September’s transition to cooler weather and the start of the academic year may have influenced crime dynamics, with anti-social behaviour and violence linked to increased social activity in local communities. While property crime rates remain low, the prominence of violent offences suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic or community hubs. The data also shows consistent underperformance compared to UK averages for shoplifting (56% below) and vehicle crime (78% below), which may reflect Breckland’s rural character and limited retail or transport infrastructure. Overall, the district’s crime picture illustrates a balance between local-specific challenges and broader national trends.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with other theft increasing by 57.7% (26 → 41) and possession of weapons rising by 22.2% (9 → 11). These changes contrast with sharp declines in robbery (-66.7%, 3 → 1), theft from the person (-50.0%, 2 → 1), and burglary (-41.2%, 17 → 10). The violent crime category, which dominates Breckland’s profile, remains 20% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.1 vs 2.6 per 1,000). This divergence may be linked to the area’s lower population density and potentially less concentrated nightlife or retail activity compared to urban centres. Anti-social behaviour, another major category, is 40% below the UK average (0.7 vs 1.2 per 1,000), suggesting effective community policing or lower social tensions. The sharp drop in burglary could indicate successful crime prevention measures, though the rate remains 68% below the UK average (0.1 vs 0.3 per 1,000). Residents might find the 78% UK-wide gap for vehicle crime (0.1 vs 0.5 per 1,000) particularly relevant, as it highlights Breckland’s relative safety for car owners. These fluctuations underscore the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends, such as the rise in other theft, which could signal new vulnerabilities in local security practices.

Breckland’s September 2024 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 7.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.1, reflecting a downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 23 crimes per day, a figure that may appear high but is contextualised by the district’s population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 211 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable areas. With 146,620 residents, the total of 695 crimes translates to a manageable scale, particularly when compared to the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This disparity is most pronounced in categories like shoplifting (56% below UK average) and vehicle crime (78% below), which may reflect Breckland’s rural geography and limited commercial activity. The comparison also highlights the district’s relative safety in categories such as burglary (68% below UK average) and drugs offences (58% below), suggesting that local policies or environmental factors are contributing to these outcomes. While the overall rate remains stable, the month-on-month reductions in robbery and burglary indicate progress in addressing specific crime types. However, the increase in other theft and weapon possession deserves closer attention, as these could signal shifts in criminal behaviour or unmet community needs.