Swaffham Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham’s crime rate in October 2025 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 31.2% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked improvement positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions within Breckland, a rural district in Norfolk. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.2%) and shoplifting (15.2%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime—a trend that contrasts with the UK average, where property crime typically outpaces violent crime—suggests a unique local dynamic. This could be attributed to Swaffham’s small-town character, where social interactions and community cohesion may influence crime patterns. Seasonal factors, such as the clocks going back and the onset of darker evenings, may have contributed to an increase in violent incidents, as reduced visibility and the Halloween period often correlate with higher rates of such crimes. However, the rate for violence and sexual offences in Swaffham (2.2 per 1,000) is 17% below the UK average, indicating that while these crimes are a significant concern locally, they remain relatively contained compared to national trends. The area’s shoplifting rate (0.8 per 1,000) is 27% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the presence of small retail outlets or local economic pressures. Overall, the data illustrates a combination of local characteristics and broader national trends, with Swaffham’s crime profile shaped by its rural-urban mix and seasonal rhythms.

October saw a 100% increase in 'other crime' cases, rising from zero to two incidents, a shift that could reflect heightened awareness or reporting of less common offences. Simultaneously, criminal damage and arson doubled from two to four incidents, a rise that may be linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween preparations or increased outdoor activity. Shoplifting, however, fell by 56.3% from 16 to seven cases, a decline that contrasts with the UK average where shoplifting remains slightly above the national norm. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 56.3%, from nine to five incidents, suggesting a possible reduction in public disturbances. Swaffham’s rate for shoplifting (0.8 per 1,000) is 27% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, a discrepancy that may be influenced by the area’s retail presence or local economic conditions. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns in the area, with some categories fluctuating sharply while others remain stable.

Swaffham's crime rate in October 2025 dropped by 25.8% compared to the previous month, falling from 7.1 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in rural areas during autumn, where reduced foot traffic and seasonal transitions may contribute to lower crime activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 189 residents. When scaled to Swaffham’s population of 8,710, this means that the likelihood of an individual experiencing a crime in October was significantly lower than the UK average. The drop in public order offences—falling from six to one—suggests a marked improvement in community behaviour during the month, potentially influenced by the transition into darker evenings and local initiatives to encourage responsible conduct in public spaces.