Swaffham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham’s crime rate in July 2024 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.9% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure, though modest, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 40.6% of all incidents, with 26 cases reported. This category’s rate (3.0 per 1,000) was 5% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be influenced by Swaffham’s status as a built-up area within Breckland, where population density and community interactions could contribute to higher rates of such crimes. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 10 incidents (1.2 per 1,000), though this rate was 17% below the national average. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and a surge in tourism and festivals—likely amplified activity in public spaces, increasing opportunities for anti-social behaviour and other crimes. Criminal damage and arson, while not the most common category, rose sharply in July, a trend that may be linked to the increased presence of temporary structures or events in the area. The low crime rate overall, particularly in categories like shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000, 56% below UK average) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000, 57% below UK average), suggests that Swaffham’s rural character and smaller population size may act as natural deterrents to certain types of crime. These patterns highlight the importance of understanding how local geography and seasonal activity intersect to shape crime trends, even in areas that are generally safer than the national average.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in July 2024 was the 200% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 3 to 9 incidents. This surge, which far outpaced any other category, may be linked to the summer season’s peak in outdoor events and festivals, which could heighten opportunities for such acts. Concurrently, theft from the person doubled from 0 to 1, a change that could reflect heightened foot traffic in public spaces during the holiday period. Meanwhile, other theft fell by 50%, suggesting a possible reallocation of criminal activity toward more immediate or impulsive crimes. Public order offences also dropped by 33.3%, due to increased policing or community engagement during summer events. Swaffham’s rate for violence and sexual offences (3.0 per 1,000) remains 5% above the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by local demographics or the area’s proximity to transport links. These shifts illustrate how seasonal rhythms can reshape crime patterns, even in a relatively low-crime area like Swaffham.

Swaffham's crime rate in July 2024 rose by 14.3% compared to the previous month, moving from 6.4 to 7.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in local patterns that may align with seasonal activity. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 2 crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 136 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in a community of 8,710 people. While this monthly exposure is consistent with Swaffham’s generally lower crime profile compared to the UK average, the upward trend from June suggests a need to monitor local factors such as increased foot traffic during festivals or prolonged summer events. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the rise, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, with crime rates 11.9% below the national figure. This contrast highlights the unique character of Swaffham as a built-up area within Breckland, where rural isolation and smaller community dynamics may contribute to lower overall crime levels.