Swaffham Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham's crime profile in June 2023 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property-related offences, with violence and sexual offences comprising the largest share of reported incidents. At 6.5 per 1,000 residents, the area's crime rate remains 23.5% below the UK average, a consistent trend that reflects its character as a relatively low-density built-up area within Breckland. The breakdown shows 20 violent crimes (35.1% of total) compared to 16 property crimes (28.1%), indicating a higher proportion of personal safety incidents than theft or burglary. This mix may be influenced by Swaffham's role as a commuter hub with limited retail or nightlife infrastructure, which typically drives property crime in urban centres. Seasonal factors also play a role: June marks the start of summer, a period when increased foot traffic in local amenities could contribute to anti-social behaviour. However, the area's low overall rate suggests effective community policing or social cohesion. Violent crime in Swaffham is 21% below the UK average, consistent with the lower population density and lower socioeconomic disparities found in smaller towns. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour's 22% exceedance of the UK average hints at localized pressures, tied to summer activities or youth demographics. The absence of significant spikes in vehicle crime or burglary—both 38% and 79% below UK averages, respectively—further supports the idea of a community where property crime is not the dominant concern. This crime mix, therefore, illustrates an area where personal safety remains a priority, but targeted interventions may be needed to address the rise in anti-social incidents.

June 2023 saw a 220% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 5 to 16 incidents. This jump, coupled with a 200% rise in shoplifting and a 100% increase in drug-related crimes, highlights a shift in the crime mix. Violent crimes remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.1% of all incidents, significantly below the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.9 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour, however, exceeded the UK average by 22%, a discrepancy that may reflect local social dynamics or reporting patterns. The sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, though, is a key concern for residents, as it suggests increased disorder in public spaces. The data also reveals that shoplifting in Swaffham is 44% below the UK average, potentially indicating effective retail security measures or a smaller retail footprint compared to other areas. These figures, while contextually positioned within the UK's broader crime profile, offer specific insights for local stakeholders.

Swaffham's crime rate in June 2023 rose by 90.1% compared to May, reflecting a sharp upward trend. This increase contrasts with the area's usual position relative to the UK average, where Swaffham has historically recorded rates 23.5% below the national figure. Locally, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 153 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents despite the recent spike. Daily, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that remains lower than the UK's broader average but highlights the volatility of crime patterns in a small built-up area. The population of 8,710 means that individual residents face a lower risk of being directly affected compared to larger urban centres, though the sharp increase in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting suggests localized pressures. These figures, while modest in absolute terms, warrant attention to underlying factors such as seasonal activity or community dynamics that may be influencing the current trajectory.