Watton Crime Rate

Watton is a notably safe town in Norfolk, featuring an overall crime rate of 54.6 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, marking it as a secure location for its 12,875 residents. The town's safety score stands at a high 86/100, well above the UK average of 79. Perhaps most encouragingly, crime in Watton is on a strong downward trend, with a substantial 18.4% decrease in reported incidents over the last year. These figures paint a picture of a peaceful community that is becoming even safer over time, making it an attractive destination for families and individuals seeking a secure environment.

Watton Crime Breakdown

In Watton, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types, accounting for 53.3% of all reports with 375 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 11.5%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.1%. These categories represent the primary focus for local safety initiatives.

Property crime in Watton is notably low, with a rate of 10.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly better than the UK average of 32.3. This includes burglary (12 cases), vehicle crime (15 cases), and shoplifting (19 cases). Burglary accounts for only 1.7% of total crime in the area. While the overall risk to property is low, the prevalence of criminal damage suggests that homeowners should still take basic precautions to protect their premises and vehicles from opportunistic harm.

Watton Crime Trends

The crime trend in Watton is exceptionally positive, with a significant 18.4% decrease in total reported offences over the past year. This indicates a substantial improvement in the town's safety. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 people remained consistently low, generally staying between 3.5 and 5.8.

There was a noticeable peak in October 2025, where the rate rose to 6.5, but this was followed by a decrease to 4.5 in November. The lowest rate was recorded in December 2024 at 3.5. These fluctuations are typical for a small town, but the overall downward trajectory is the most important factor for residents. This sustained reduction suggests that local policing and community safety initiatives are having a meaningful impact, making Watton an increasingly secure place to live and work.

How To Keep Safe in Watton

The most prevalent crime type in Watton is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, residents should practice general situational awareness, particularly when out in the town centre during the evening. Sticking to well-lit areas and planning your routes home is always a good idea. While the overall crime rate is low, being mindful of your surroundings is a simple and effective safety measure.

Given that criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are also in the top three crime types, it is wise to ensure that your property and vehicles are kept in well-lit or secure locations. For vehicle owners, always double-check that doors are locked and avoid leaving any items on display, even if they seem of low value. Engaging with local community groups or a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also help you stay informed about any suspicious activity in your area. By working together and looking out for one another, the residents of Watton can help maintain and even improve the town's impressive safety record.

Watton Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Watton follows distinct time-based patterns. The afternoon (12pm to 6pm) sees the highest concentration of theft-related offences, accounting for 51% of crimes during this period. This is likely linked to activity in local shops and commercial areas. During the morning (6am to 12pm), theft remains the primary concern, making up 46% of reported incidents.

As evening approaches (6pm to 12am), the focus shifts towards 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which comprise 57% of incidents. Overnight (12am to 6am), while the total volume of crime is low, property-related risks increase. Vehicle crime peaks at 32% of night-time reports, and burglary accounts for 15%. This indicates that vehicles and homes are most at risk during the early hours of the morning, while personal and retail-related offences are more common during daylight hours.

In the context of the surrounding Norfolk countryside, Watton serves as a safe and stable urban hub. While it has a higher crime rate than immediate rural neighbours like Saham Toney, Griston, Carbrooke, and Thompson—all of which report near-zero crime in recent data—Watton's rate of 54.6 is still very low for a town of its size. When compared to the broader region and larger urban centres, Watton stands out as a highly secure alternative. It provides the amenities of town life without the higher crime volumes typically found in more densely populated areas, offering a perfect balance for those who want accessibility and peace of mind.

Home Security in Watton

Despite Watton's low property crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 people, maintaining home security is essential to protect against the criminal damage and occasional burglary that does occur. Many traditional security systems are reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. In a safe town like Watton, the goal of security should be to maintain that safety by deterring any opportunistic activity before it begins.

The scOS AI-powered home security system offers a proactive approach that traditional CCTV cannot match. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect potential threats at the property boundary. If an unauthorised person is detected, the system can autonomously activate lights or speakers to deter them. This element of surprise is a powerful deterrent; most intruders will move on within 60 seconds of being noticed. By choosing a system that prioritises prevention over simple recording, Watton homeowners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their property is actively defended, further enhancing the town's already excellent safety profile.