Swaffham Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham’s overall crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents in November 2024 represents a notable 22.4% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This performance places the area among the safer built-up locations in England, with a crime profile shaped by seasonal rhythms and local demographics. The most frequently reported crimes were violence and sexual offences (12 incidents, 23.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (11 incidents, 21.6%) and shoplifting (7 incidents, 13.7%). These figures align with patterns seen in small towns where community policing efforts and lower population density can contribute to lower violent crime rates. However, the seasonal context of November—marked by dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping—may partly explain the mix of crime types. While the area’s relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000, 35% below UK average) suggests effective domestic security measures, the higher-than-average anti-social behaviour rate (17% above UK) could reflect challenges in managing public spaces during late-night hours. The crime picture illustrates a balance between localized factors and broader seasonal trends, with no single driver dominating the data.

November 2024 saw a dramatic 53.8% decrease in violence and sexual offences, falling from 26 incidents in October to 12. This sharp decline may reflect the impact of targeted policing initiatives around Bonfire Night or a natural seasonal dip in violent crime during the colder months. Conversely, vehicle crime surged by 300%, rising from 1 to 4 incidents, likely tied to increased anti-theft measures in response to earlier thefts or changes in parking patterns during the holiday season. Criminal damage and arson also rose sharply by 150%, with incidents doubling from 2 to 5, possibly linked to vandalism around public events or property neglect during the winter. Swaffham’s rate of violence and sexual offences (1.4 per 1,000) remains 46% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) is 17% above national levels. For residents, the 12% reduction in other thefts (from 8 to 5) offers a tangible example of how targeted interventions—such as improved shop security or community awareness campaigns—can yield measurable results in a short timeframe.

Swaffham’s November crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 marks a 10.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.5, reflecting a downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in November, a figure that contextualizes the low level of criminal activity relative to its population of 8,710. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 171 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively safe environment in Swaffham compared to larger urban centres. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it translates to a 1-in-171 chance of experiencing a crime during the month—a figure that is significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to the same population size. The 22.4% gap between Swaffham’s rate and the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies, though the 17% above-average rate for anti-social behaviour suggests that specific challenges remain in managing public order. The contrast between Swaffham’s performance and the UK average illustrates how smaller built-up areas can achieve lower crime rates through a combination of community engagement, targeted policing, and the natural advantages of lower population density.