Swanton Morley Crime Rate

Swanton Morley is a secure residential settlement with an overall crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the area a high safety score of 89/100. While the area remains safe, it has seen a significant year-over-year increase in crime of 69.8%, a trend that warrants attention from residents and local authorities. The property crime rate stands at 12.3 per 1,000, which is well below the national average but indicates that opportunistic offences do occur. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the crime types, trends, and time-based patterns in Swanton Morley to help residents stay informed and protected.

Crime Breakdown in Swanton Morley

In Swanton Morley, the most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 45.2% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.4% and criminal damage and arson at 13.7%. Together, these three categories form the bulk of local police activity, reflecting a pattern often seen in smaller residential communities where personal disputes and minor property damage are more common than organised crime.

Property crime—comprising burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 12.3 per 1,000 people. While this is higher than some neighbouring villages, it remains well below the UK average of 32.3. Burglary accounts for 2.7% of total crime, while vehicle crime is relatively rare at 1.4%. Other theft and theft from the person combined make up nearly 10% of offences. For homeowners, this means that while the risk of break-ins is statistically low, opportunistic theft and criminal damage remain the primary property-related concerns that require proactive security measures.

Crime Trends in Swanton Morley

Swanton Morley has seen a sharp increase in recorded crime, with a year-over-year rise of 69.8%. Monthly data reveals that the crime rate fluctuated throughout the year, peaking in June at 6.8 per 1,000 and remaining elevated through July and August at 5.5 per 1,000. In contrast, the lowest activity was recorded in December and October, both at 1.2 per 1,000. This trend suggests a seasonal spike during the summer months. While the overall numbers are still low compared to urban areas, the upward trajectory indicates that residents should be more conscious of their security and report any suspicious activity to help curb this recent increase.

How To Keep Safe in Swanton Morley

The most common crime in Swanton Morley is violence and sexual offences, which often includes domestic-related incidents and personal disputes. To enhance your safety and that of the community, follow these practical steps:

1. Be vigilant in public spaces and report any unusual or suspicious activity to the police immediately.
2. Ensure your property is well-lit at night; motion-sensor lighting is a highly effective deterrent against anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
3. Participate in or help establish a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster community vigilance and communication.
4. Secure all windows and doors when leaving the house, even for short periods, as opportunistic theft can occur during daylight hours.
5. Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle overnight, particularly as vehicle crime and burglary risks increase during the late-night hours.

Crime timing in Swanton Morley shows a clear shift in risk throughout the day. Morning and afternoon hours are primarily dominated by theft-related offences, which account for over 50% of crimes in these periods. This is likely due to increased activity around residential and commercial areas. As the day progresses into the evening, the proportion of "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, rises significantly to 57%. The night-time period (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with burglary reaching its peak at 17% and vehicle crime at 13%. These patterns suggest that while theft is a daytime concern, property and vehicle security are most critical overnight when residents are less likely to be active.

Swanton Morley occupies a middle ground in the local safety landscape. It is safer than the larger town of Dereham, where the crime rate is nearly double at 85.2 per 1,000. However, it has a higher crime rate than several neighbouring villages, including North Elmham (29.0) and both Beetley and Bawdeswell, which recorded 0.0 crimes. This comparison highlights that while Swanton Morley is safe by national standards, it experiences more activity than its immediate rural neighbours. For those considering the region, Swanton Morley offers a balance of village life with a slightly higher level of local activity than the most secluded nearby hamlets.

With a property crime rate of 12.3 per 1,000, Swanton Morley residents face a moderate but present risk of opportunistic theft and criminal damage. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are often reactive—they record a crime as it happens but do little to prevent it. In an area where crime has recently trended upwards, proactive protection is a more effective choice. scOS uses advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter constantly. Unlike human eyes or simple motion sensors, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected at your boundary, the system can autonomously activate lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. By choosing a system like scOS, you move from having evidence of a crime to preventing the crime from ever occurring, ensuring your home remains a secure environment in an evolving local landscape.