Swaffham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Swaffham

Swaffham records an overall crime rate of 72.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to a strong safety score of 83 out of 100, surpassing the national average of 78. Over the past year, Swaffham's crime trend has remained stable, with a minor increase of 0.8%. This introduction provides a clear overview of Swaffham's safety profile, setting the context for a more detailed examination of specific crime types, trends, and temporal patterns within the town.

Crime Breakdown in Swaffham

In Swaffham, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, with 248 incidents, equating to 28.5 per 1,000 people and constituting 39.5% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows with 101 crimes (11.6 per 1,000, 16.1%), and Shoplifting accounts for 64 incidents (7.3 per 1,000, 10.2%). Property-related crimes, including burglary, shoplifting, other theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, collectively stand at a rate of 22.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these statistics provide valuable insight into the local crime landscape, informing decisions about personal and property security.

Crime Trends in Swaffham

Swaffham has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor increase of 0.8% year-over-year. The monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents shows some fluctuations. October 2024 recorded 6.5, dropping to 4.8 in December 2024, and then further to 4.1 in January 2025. Following this, rates generally settled between 4.8 and 6.9 through the spring and early summer, with a brief increase to 8.8 in May 2025. The most recent data for September 2025 indicates a rate of 7.1. This stable trend, despite monthly variations, suggests that the overall crime situation in Swaffham has not seen significant shifts, offering a consistent environment for residents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Swaffham

Crime patterns in Swaffham exhibit distinct shifts throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prevalent, accounting for 52% of crimes, with 'other' crimes at 34%, reflecting activity during daily routines. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees an even higher proportion of theft at 57%, while 'other' crimes account for 30%, likely influenced by peak shopping hours. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become dominant at 58%, with theft dropping to 23%, suggesting a shift towards public order or social issues. Finally, the night hours (12am-6am) show 'other' crimes at 47% and vehicle crime peaking at 26%, indicating increased vulnerability for unattended vehicles and properties during quieter times.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Swaffham's crime statistics with its neighbouring areas provides valuable local context. Swaffham, with an overall crime rate of 72.1 per 1,000, generally maintains a favourable position compared to nearby rural settlements such as North Pickenham, Sporle, Necton, and Castle Acre. Its crime rate is often lower or comparable to these areas, contributing to its strong safety score within the immediate vicinity. This comparison highlights Swaffham's relative tranquility and safety within the broader Breckland district, offering residents a clear understanding of its position in the regional crime landscape.

Protecting Your Home in Swaffham

Given Swaffham's property crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it's prudent for residents to consider robust home security measures. While traditional surveillance systems like Ring and Nest cameras primarily record incidents, they do not actively prevent crime from occurring. Similarly, many DIY alarms only alert you once an intruder is already on your property. For those seeking advanced protection, AI-powered solutions like scOS offer a proactive approach, designed to stop crime before it happens.

scOS provides comprehensive, real-time threat detection at your property's perimeter, leveraging multi-camera intelligence to cover all vulnerable points. It intelligently learns normal routines to minimise false alarms, focusing on genuine threats. By activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS creates an immediate and undeniable deterrent, disrupting a burglar's crucial 60-second decision window. This professional-grade, preventative security offers a superior level of protection compared to reactive recording, ensuring greater peace of mind for homeowners in Swaffham.