Swaffham Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Swaffham's crime profile in September 2025 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, with property crimes accounting for 45% of all reported incidents compared to 32% for violent crimes. This suggests a seasonal shift influenced by the return to school and university freshers' week, which may have increased foot traffic in retail areas. The overall crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents places Swaffham 4.1% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, a margin that reflects the area's relatively low levels of violent crime. Violence and sexual offences remain the most frequently reported category, making up 32.3% of all crimes, though this rate is 11% below the UK average. This contrast with shoplifting, which surged to 25.8% of total crimes—195% above the UK average—highlights the disproportionate impact of retail crime in this built-up area. The seasonal context of September, with evenings drawing in and increased pedestrian activity in town centres, likely contributes to the spike in shoplifting incidents, as well as the relatively lower rates of anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average. These patterns align with the characteristics of a smaller, rural-adjacent built-up area where retail hubs may be more vulnerable to opportunistic theft than larger urban centres.

September 2025 saw dramatic month-on-month changes in Swaffham's crime profile. Shoplifting increased by 300%, rising from four to 16 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average rate of 0.6 per 1,000. This surge, combined with a 200% rise in other thefts and a 133% increase in anti-social behaviour, suggests a significant shift in criminal activity patterns. Violent crimes, however, decreased by 13% to 20 incidents, remaining 11% below the UK average for this category. The sharp rise in shoplifting may be linked to the return of students and the start of the academic year, which typically increases foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, the 71.4% drop in criminal damage and arson—from seven to two incidents—could reflect seasonal factors, with fewer outdoor activities as nights lengthen. Residents may find the 195% above-average rate for shoplifting particularly concerning, as it indicates a vulnerability in local retail security measures. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as the town centre, where increased pedestrian presence may create opportunities for theft.

Swaffham's crime rate in September 2025 rose 17.1% from the previous month's 6.1 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a significant uptick in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day in September, a figure that, while modest, underscores the persistent nature of local crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 140 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against Swaffham's population of 8,710, suggests a moderate level of risk compared to larger urban areas. This figure is particularly relevant for local residents, as it provides a tangible measure of the likelihood of experiencing a crime. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Swaffham's crime rate remains relatively low compared to the UK average, but the sharp increase in shoplifting and other thefts raises questions about the effectiveness of current prevention strategies. While the area's overall crime rate is still below the UK average, the disproportionate rise in property-related offences may indicate a need for enhanced security measures in retail spaces. These comparisons highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between local crime trends and national benchmarks, ensuring that Swaffham's unique characteristics are addressed in any future crime reduction initiatives.