Thetford Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Thetford

Thetford records an overall crime rate of 99.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is slightly above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. Despite this, Thetford maintains a respectable safety score of 77 out of 100, just below the national average of 78. Encouragingly, the area has seen a decreasing trend in crime over the last year, with a notable reduction of 9.6%. This introduction provides a concise overview of Thetford's crime landscape, setting the context for a deeper dive into specific crime types, trends, and temporal patterns within the town.

Crime Breakdown in Thetford

In Thetford, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, with 976 incidents reported, corresponding to 38.6 per 1,000 people and making up 38.7% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows with 423 crimes (16.7 per 1,000, 16.8%), and Criminal damage and arson accounts for 260 crimes (10.3 per 1,000, 10.3%). When considering property-related crimes—including burglary, shoplifting, other theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, robbery, and theft from the person—Thetford experiences a rate of 28.6 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures helps in assessing personal risk and considering appropriate security measures for their properties.

Crime Trends in Thetford

Thetford has demonstrated a positive trend in crime reduction, with an overall decrease of 9.6% year-over-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show fluctuations, with October 2024 at 10.1, decreasing to 6.4 in December 2024. The rate then rose to 9.8 in January 2025 before generally trending downwards or remaining stable through the spring and early summer, reaching a low of 7.5 in May 2025. A slight increase was observed in July and August 2025 (9.4 and 9.5 respectively), before settling at 7.8 in September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overarching decreasing trend suggests an improvement in the town's crime situation, which is a positive sign for residents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Thetford

Crime patterns in Thetford show distinct variations throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 38% of crimes, alongside a significant proportion of 'other' crimes at 44%. This suggests activity around commercial opening hours and morning routines. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in theft to 42% and 'other' crimes remaining high at 44%, likely driven by peak shopping and daily activities. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become the dominant category at 66%, with theft dropping to 15% and vehicle crime at 12%, indicating a shift towards public order or social issues. Finally, the night hours (12am-6am) show vehicle crime peaking at 32% and 'other' crimes at 50%, reflecting increased vulnerability for unattended vehicles and properties during quieter times.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Thetford's crime statistics with nearby areas offers valuable local context. Thetford's overall crime rate of 99.6 per 1,000 people is generally higher than that of smaller, more rural settlements like Fakenham Magna and Longfield Green. When compared to slightly larger towns such as Barnham (West Suffolk) and Brandon (West Suffolk), Thetford's figures may show some similarities, reflecting shared challenges in urbanised areas within a broader rural district. Understanding these comparisons helps residents to gauge Thetford's safety profile relative to its immediate neighbours, providing a clearer picture of the local crime landscape.

Protecting Your Home in Thetford

With Thetford's property crime rate of 28.6 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it's important for residents to consider robust home security. While recording devices like Ring and Nest cameras provide footage, they often only document a burglary rather than preventing it. DIY systems can alert you after an incident, but true prevention requires a more proactive approach. This is where AI-powered solutions like scOS offer a significant advantage, designed to prevent crime before it happens.

scOS actively detects threats at your property's boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to ensure comprehensive surveillance without blind spots. Its ability to identify and respond to potential intruders with automated lights and speakers can deter most burglars within their critical 60-second decision window. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, making your property a less attractive target. Investing in a system that focuses on prevention over mere reaction can significantly enhance the security of your home in Thetford.