Swaffham Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Swaffham's crime profile in August 2024, accounting for 34.7% of all reported crimes. This category alone contributed 17 incidents, significantly below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 residents (26% lower). The area's overall crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 31.7% deficit compared to the UK's 8.2 per 1,000 average, reflecting a safer environment than national trends. Criminal damage and arson emerged as the second most common crime, with 12 incidents reported (1.4 per 1,000 residents) — 126% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed with 8 incidents (0.9 per 1,000 residents), 37% below the UK rate. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, with August's peak holiday season potentially increasing risks for both property crimes and incidents of violence. The relatively low burglary rate (2 incidents) contrasts with the UK average, suggesting Swaffham's built-up area may benefit from effective community policing or fewer vacant properties during the summer months. This data highlights a crime profile shaped by local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with violent crime remaining the most persistent concern despite the overall safety advantage.

August 2024 saw a 34.6% decrease in violence and sexual offences compared to July, dropping from 26 incidents to 17 — a shift that may reflect seasonal changes in community activity or effective policing interventions. Meanwhile, shoplifting incidents doubled from 3 to 6, marking a 100% increase and aligning with the peak retail season. Criminal damage and arson remained significantly above the UK average, with 12 incidents reported — 126% higher than the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000 residents. This category's elevated rate may be linked to Swaffham's built-up area characteristics, where property maintenance challenges or community tensions could contribute. Possession of weapons rose sharply by 100% (0 to 1 incident). The reduction in public order offences by 50% (from 4 to 2) suggests potential improvements in local enforcement or community engagement efforts. Residents may find the 126% above UK average for criminal damage and arson particularly relevant, as it highlights a specific area for targeted prevention strategies.

Swaffham's August 2024 crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents represented a 23.4% decrease from July's 7.4 per 1,000, indicating a downward trend over the past month. This decline places the area's monthly crime exposure at roughly one incident for every 178 residents — a figure that contextualises the rate in human terms. On a daily basis, Swaffham recorded an average of 2 crimes per day in August, a pace that remains lower than many comparable UK towns. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Swaffham's 8,710 residents experienced 49 total crimes, equating to 0.56% of the population being directly affected. This rate is 31.7% below the UK average, suggesting systemic differences in policing effectiveness, community dynamics, or environmental factors. The month-on-month reduction in violent crime (34.6%) and public order offences (50%) contrasts with the 100% increase in shoplifting, illustrating shifts in crime patterns that may reflect seasonal trends or targeted interventions. These comparisons underscore Swaffham's position as a relatively safe built-up area within Breckland, with specific crime categories warranting closer attention for sustained improvement.