Swaffham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham's December 2023 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents places it 44.4% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national figure of 7.2 per 1,000. This marked safety advantage is evident across multiple crime categories, with violence and sexual offences at 1.2 per 1,000 — 54% below the UK average — and anti-social behaviour at 0.7 per 1,000 — 25% below the UK rate. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (28.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour and other theft, each accounting for 17.1% of reported incidents. Seasonal factors, including the Christmas shopping peak and extended dark evenings, may contribute to the observed patterns, though the overall decline in violent crime suggests effective community measures. The relatively low property crime rate (17 cases) compared to violent crime (10 cases) indicates a shift in crime dynamics, with property-related incidents remaining below the UK average for categories such as burglary (43% below) and shoplifting (39% below). However, the 19% increase in other theft cases — 6 incidents — compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, signals a potential vulnerability in areas where personal items are left unsecured. The combination of festive activity and seasonal darkness creates a unique context for crime, requiring targeted awareness without compromising the area's overall safety profile.

December 2023 saw a 100% increase in burglary cases, rising from 0 to 2 incidents, a sharp contrast to the previous month's figures. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of empty homes during the holiday period, potentially creating opportunities for opportunistic offenders. Concurrently, bicycle theft and other theft cases also doubled, highlighting a growing concern for residents who may leave valuables unattended. Despite these increases, the overall rate of violence and sexual offences dropped by 70.6%, from 34 to 10 cases, a significant reduction that may partly explain the overall decline in the crime rate. The category of other theft, now at 6 cases, is 19% above the UK average, indicating a localised issue that warrants attention. Residents are advised to secure property and vehicles, particularly during the darker winter evenings when visibility is reduced.

Swaffham's December 2023 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents marks a 30.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.7 per 1,000, reflecting a notable improvement in overall safety. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of vigilance during peak activity times. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 249 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of risk within the community. This rate remains significantly below the UK average, highlighting Swaffham's relative safety. However, the specific increases in certain crime categories, such as burglary and bicycle theft, indicate areas where residents may need to adjust their awareness. The population context further illustrates that, despite the low overall rate, targeted measures could help maintain this trend, particularly in light of the seasonal factors influencing crime patterns.