Swaffham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham’s December 2024 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents places it 32.4% below the UK average of 7.1, reflecting a consistently lower level of criminal activity compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.8%) and criminal damage and arson (9.5%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December, a month marked by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the potential for increased social gatherings, which may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict and anti-social behaviour. However, the drop in shoplifting (71.4% decrease) and vehicle crime (75% decrease) suggests that some seasonal patterns—such as reduced retail activity and fewer vehicles on the road—may have mitigated certain types of crime. The lower crime rate compared to the UK average is consistent with Swaffham’s character as a smaller, built-up area within Breckland, where community cohesion and lower population density may naturally reduce opportunities for criminal activity. Nevertheless, the sharp increase in violence and 'other crime' highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly during late-night hours and in public spaces. Residents should remain aware of these trends and consider taking precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas after dark and securing valuables during the festive season.

December 2024 saw a 33.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 12 to 16 incidents. This jump, occurring during the festive season with its associated late-night gatherings and dark evenings, may partly explain the rise. Other crime surged by 200% (from 1 to 3), a sharp increase that could reflect unseasonal activity in areas such as domestic disputes or non-violent theft. Public order offences also doubled, suggesting heightened tensions in local spaces during the holiday period. Shoplifting fell by 71.4% (from 7 to 2), due to reduced foot traffic in retail areas or increased security measures around Christmas. Vehicle crime dropped by 75%, aligning with the expected decline in car usage during the holiday season. While Swaffham’s overall crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, the surge in violence and 'other crime' highlights areas requiring closer monitoring. Residents should be aware of the increased risk of violence, particularly in evenings and during social events.

Swaffham's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 17.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.9. This decline suggests a continued trend of reduced criminal activity, though the pace of reduction has slowed compared to earlier months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the population, this translates to one crime occurring for roughly every 207 residents over the course of the month, a figure that places Swaffham well below the UK average for both overall crime and several specific categories. However, the monthly exposure metric does not account for variations in population density or localised hotspots, which may still require targeted attention. The contrast between Swaffham’s overall low crime rate and its above-average rates in specific categories, such as 'other crime,' underscores the complexity of interpreting aggregated statistics without further local analysis.