Swaffham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Swaffham recorded 56 crimes across its population of 8,710 residents, translating to a rate of 6.4 per 1,000 people—exactly matching the UK average. This figure, while statistically aligned with national trends, reveals a distinct crime profile shaped by local dynamics. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 48.2% of all incidents (27 cases), significantly above the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. This surge, which marks a 145.5% increase from the previous month, may be influenced by seasonal factors typical of winter months, when social interactions shift indoors and tensions may rise. Anti-social behaviour followed with 12.5% (7 cases), though this category remained 12% below the UK average. The third most common category was criminal damage and arson (8.9%, 5 cases), which was 30% above the UK average—a discrepancy that could reflect local vulnerabilities, such as the presence of older infrastructure or transient populations. The seasonal context of February—a low point for outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the concentration of violent incidents in enclosed spaces, such as residential areas or public venues. While the overall rate aligns with national benchmarks, the sharp rise in violence and the relative underperformance in property crimes (such as shoplifting, which was 14% below the UK average) suggest a need to examine local factors, including community engagement strategies or economic pressures that might influence crime patterns. These findings highlight the importance of contextual analysis, as the same national rate can manifest differently across areas with distinct demographics and geographic characteristics.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 145.5% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 11 to 27 incidents—a jump that significantly outpaced the UK average for this category by 34%. This surge, coupled with a 200% increase in 'other crime' (from 1 to 3), highlights a shift in the crime mix toward more severe incidents. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50%, aligning with the UK average but marking a stark contrast to the rising trend in violent crime. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also showed notable changes, with the latter decreasing by 33.3% (from 6 to 4). These fluctuations suggest a combination of factors, possibly linked to seasonal patterns or local events. For residents, the 27 violence-related incidents alone—equivalent to nearly 3% of the population—represent a significant concern that may warrant closer attention to community safety measures.

Swaffham’s crime rate in February 2026 rose by 51.3% compared to the previous month’s rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents, reaching 6.4 per 1,000—matching the UK average. This increase translates to roughly 2 crimes reported each day in the built-up area, a figure that, while consistent with national trends, underscores the need for localized awareness. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 156 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects both the area’s population density and the nature of incidents recorded. With 8,710 residents, the population-scaled perspective shows that the 56 crimes reported represent a relatively small proportion of the community, though the shift from the previous month’s lower rate suggests potential fluctuations in local dynamics. Daily crime counts, while low, remain a tangible reminder of the presence of crime in everyday life for residents, even in an area where the overall rate aligns with national averages.