Swaffham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Swaffham's crime profile in August 2023, accounting for 47.1% of all reported crimes. This category, at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, remained 32% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The area's overall crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000—51.9% below the UK average—reflects a persistent pattern of low crime density in this rural built-up area. Property crimes, though fewer in number, showed a mixed picture: criminal damage and arson (0.9 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average by 43%, while shoplifting, other theft, and vehicle crime all fell significantly below national benchmarks. August's peak holiday season may have contributed to this dynamic, as increased tourism and empty homes could theoretically elevate burglary risks. However, the data shows no such rise in property crimes, suggesting that local factors—such as strong community policing or low commercial density—may counteract seasonal vulnerabilities. The dominance of violent crime over property crime highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where interpersonal conflicts may arise, such as local pubs or community centres. This pattern contrasts with larger urban centres, where property crimes typically dominate. Swaffham's crime profile thus illustrates a unique balance between rural isolation and limited urban activity, shaping the types of incidents that occur.

August 2023 saw a 100% increase in robbery cases, rising from zero to one incident. This spike, though isolated, contrasts with broader declines in property-related crimes, including an 85.7% drop in other theft cases and a 75% reduction in shoplifting. The violent crime category—accounting for 47.1% of all incidents—remained 32% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a consistent trend for the area. Anti-social behaviour, though a smaller share of total crimes, was 51% below the UK average, reflecting the area's lower population density and limited nightlife. The sharp decline in vehicle crime (down 66.7%) may indicate seasonal factors, as August is typically a period of reduced vehicle activity due to holidays. Residents should note that robbery remains a rare but notable category, with only one incident reported in the month.

Swaffham's crime rate in August 2023 dropped to 3.9 per 1,000 residents, a 46.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the area's historically lower crime profile compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, Swaffham recorded approximately one crime per day in August, a figure that reflects the area's sparse population and limited urban density. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 256 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When contextualised against the local population of 8,710, this rate underscores the effectiveness of community policing strategies and the low prevalence of high-risk environments. The contrast with the UK average, where crime rates are typically double or triple those in Swaffham, reinforces the area's status as a relatively safe locality within a region known for higher rural crime rates. These figures suggest that local factors—such as community cohesion and limited commercial activity—play a significant role in sustaining the area's low crime trajectory.