Swaffham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham's crime profile in May 2023 demonstrates a marked divergence from the UK average, with a crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents—57.5% below the national figure of 8.0 per 1,000. This built-up area within Breckland, likely characterised by its rural setting and limited urban density, reported 30 crimes in total, with violence and sexual offences (60% of all crimes) and anti-social behaviour (16.7%) dominating the breakdown. The area's violent crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 was 24% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage rates were 55% and 52% below national figures respectively. Seasonal factors may have played a role, with May's longer evenings and bank holidays contributing to increased socialising and associated incidents. However, the overall low crime rate suggests effective community policing, limited opportunities for property crime due to sparse urban infrastructure, or other local deterrents. The balance of crime types—dominated by violent offences rather than property crimes—contrasts with many UK areas where property crime is more prevalent, reflecting Swaffham's demographic and geographic characteristics. This pattern is consistent with rural or semi-rural areas where interpersonal conflicts and low-level violence are more frequently reported than theft or burglary.

May 2023 saw a 28.6% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 14 to 18 incidents. This category remained 24% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000, though the upward trend highlights a local challenge. Burglary rates doubled compared to April, with two incidents reported (up from one). This contrasts sharply with the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, suggesting a localised vulnerability despite overall low rates. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 37.5% to five incidents, aligning with a broader pattern of decline in low-level offences. The area's shoplifting rate was 80% below the UK average, with only one incident reported. This may reflect limited retail presence or effective local deterrents, though seasonal factors like May's bank holidays and longer evenings could have influenced both violent and property crime patterns.

Swaffham's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, a 14.4% decrease from April's 4.0 per 1,000. This places the area firmly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, with the gap widening significantly compared to previous months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day in May, reflecting a low-frequency pattern consistent with its rural character. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 290 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk for local households. With a population of 8,710, the area's crime statistics highlight a stark contrast to national trends, suggesting a combination of local factors such as community cohesion, limited urban density, and seasonal activity patterns that may contribute to its lower-than-average crime profile. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK's equivalent, which would be significantly higher given the national average.