Swaffham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2024, Swaffham's crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents placed it 41.9% below the UK average, highlighting a safer environment compared to national trends. This rate translates to one reported crime for every 235 residents over the month, a figure that likely feels distant for most residents. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.4% of total), public order offences (16.2%), and shoplifting (16.2%), with the latter two categories showing stark contrasts to UK averages. Violence and sexual offences, though significant in volume, remained 46% below the UK rate, a gap that may reflect Swaffham's community characteristics or effective local policing. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail activity—likely contributed to lower shoplifting rates than might be expected in a busier month. However, the sharp rise in drug-related crimes and public order offences suggests that social dynamics during this time may have influenced reporting patterns. These findings illustrate how crime rates, even in low-risk areas, can be shaped by both local conditions and broader seasonal trends.

January 2024 saw sharp increases in drug-related crimes (+200%) and public order offences (+100%), a trend that may reflect post-holiday social dynamics or changes in local enforcement patterns. Shoplifting also doubled, potentially linked to reduced retail footfall during the post-Christmas period. Conversely, other theft and criminal damage both fell by over 50%, a decline consistent with seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours limiting outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences remained 46% below the UK average at 1.4 per 1,000, suggesting that Swaffham's community cohesion or local initiatives may mitigate violent crime. These shifts illustrate how crime patterns can fluctuate even within a low-rate area, with specific categories responding uniquely to seasonal rhythms.

Swaffham's crime rate in January 2024 rose 5.7% from the previous month's 4.0 per 1,000 to 4.3 per 1,000.9% below the UK average. Over 31 days, this translates to roughly one crime per day, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents. On a monthly scale, one reported crime occurred for every 235 residents, a ratio that places Swaffham among the safer built-up areas in the UK. While the increase is modest, the daily context highlights that most residents are unlikely to experience crime directly. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that even with the month-on-month rise, Swaffham's crime levels remain significantly lower than national benchmarks. This contrast underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies or demographic factors that may reduce crime exposure compared to larger urban centres.