North Elmham Crime Rate

North Elmham is a very safe residential settlement with an overall crime rate of 29.0 per 1,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a strong safety score of 93/100. Over the past year, North Elmham has seen a 70.0% increase in crime, a trend that highlights the importance of maintaining local security. The property crime rate is also low at 11.9 per 1,000, which is significantly better than the UK average of 32.3. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in North Elmham, as well as an analysis of trends and time-based patterns to help residents stay informed and secure.

Crime Breakdown in North Elmham

In North Elmham, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.2% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour, each accounting for 17.6%. These figures indicate that over a third of all crime in the village involves personal or domestic-related issues, while property damage and community-based issues are also significant concerns.

Property crime—encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 11.9 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK average of 32.3 per 1,000, but it remains a key focus for local security. Other theft accounts for 14.7% of total crime, while burglary, vehicle crime, and shoplifting are relatively rare, each making up 2.9% of the total. For residents, this means that while the risk of a home break-in is low, the protection of property from opportunistic theft and criminal damage are the most important property-related security priorities.

Crime Trends in North Elmham

North Elmham has seen a 70.0% increase in recorded crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated, with a notable peak in August, September, and November at 4.3 per 1,000. The lowest rate was seen in May and October, with only 0.9 per 1,000. This trend suggests that the village experiences seasonal fluctuations in crime. While the overall increase is notable, residents should remain vigilant and maintain good security practices to help curb this recent trend.

How To Keep Safe in North Elmham

The most common crime in North Elmham is violence and sexual offences, which often involves personal or domestic-related issues. To help maintain the safety of the village and protect yourself, consider these suggestions:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night, and try to use well-lit routes.
2. Build strong connections with your neighbours, as a vigilant community is the best defence against anti-social behaviour and opportunistic crime.
3. Ensure your home has adequate exterior lighting, which can deter anti-social behaviour and make your property a less attractive target for theft.
4. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them better understand and manage local crime patterns.
5. Keep your vehicle locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, as vehicle crime is most common during the night-time hours.

Crime in North Elmham follows distinct time-based patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 41% and 47% of all crimes respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is more common during the busiest times of the day. As the day turns to evening, the risk profile shifts towards anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 67% of incidents. The night-time period (12am-6am) sees a significant increase in the proportional risk of vehicle crime and burglary, reaching 21% and 13% respectively. These trends highlight that while theft is a daytime concern, property and vehicle security are most vulnerable overnight when activity in the village is at its lowest.

North Elmham is located in a relatively low-crime region. It is safer than the nearby village of Swanton Morley, which has a crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 residents. However, it is slightly less safe than neighbouring villages like Beetley (0.0), Gressenhall (27.7), and Foxley (0.0). Despite this, North Elmham remains a very secure location when compared to the national average. For those looking for a peaceful village environment in the Breckland district, North Elmham offers a safe residential setting, even if it experiences slightly more activity than some of its immediate rural neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000, North Elmham residents face a low but present risk of opportunistic theft, criminal damage, and vehicle crime. Traditional security measures like standard CCTV cameras are reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For homeowners who want to prevent crime, scOS offers a proactive solution. scOS is an AI-powered system that monitors your property's boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can escalate. It uses advanced intelligence to distinguish between normal activities, such as deliveries, and suspicious behaviour. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights and speakers to deter them. In a village like North Elmham, where theft and criminal damage account for a notable portion of property offences, scOS's ability to monitor boundaries with high precision provides an essential layer of protection that goes beyond simple recording, ensuring your home remains secure.