Breckland Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Breckland's February 2025 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents places the area 31.3% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently safer environment compared to the national profile. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.4% of all reported incidents—significantly higher than the UK average of 2.4 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 14.7% of total crimes, with a rate of 0.7 per 1,000 that is 28% below the UK figure. These patterns align with Breckland's character as a largely rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where interpersonal conflicts may be more pronounced than in densely populated urban areas. Seasonal factors also play a role, with February's low outdoor activity potentially contributing to a pre-spring lull in property crimes such as vehicle theft and shoplifting. However, the increase in criminal damage and arson suggests that environmental factors, such as harsh winter conditions, may be exacerbating vulnerabilities in infrastructure or public spaces. This month's data also highlights a stark contrast between Breckland's lower rates for violent crimes and the UK average, a trend that may be partly explained by the area's relatively low population density and the effectiveness of local community engagement efforts. The absence of significant spikes in theft from the person or robbery, which are both 100% below the UK average, further reinforces the notion that Breckland's crime profile is shaped by its unique demographic and geographic characteristics.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in February 2025 was a 34.4% rise in criminal damage and arson, with incidents increasing from 61 to 82. This surge, while not unprecedented, contrasts sharply with the 30.4% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from 23 to 16. The shift in crime mix also reveals a continued dominance of violent crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 39.4% of all incidents—well above the UK average for this category. Breckland's anti-social behaviour rate of 0.7 per 1,000 remains 28% below the UK average, suggesting that community-focused policing strategies may be contributing to this disparity. The 50.0% increase in bicycle theft, though modest in absolute terms (from 2 to 3 incidents), highlights a potential vulnerability in local security measures for cyclists. These trends underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local crime dynamics, with February's low outdoor activity potentially influencing both property and violent crime patterns.

Breckland's February 2025 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents marks a 9.5% decrease from the previous month's 5.0 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend observed in recent months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 24 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with Breckland's generally low crime profile, remains well below the UK average. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 220 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area's relatively safe environment. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it contextualises the likelihood of encountering crime within the community. Breckland's population of 146,620 further underscores the significance of this rate, with the 31.3% gap between its crime rate and the UK average highlighting the effectiveness of local policing strategies and community initiatives. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot of activity, the monthly exposure figure offers a broader perspective on how crime is distributed across the population, reinforcing the area's status as a safer place compared to the national average.