Watton Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Watton, Breckland, reveal a crime rate of 58.7 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting that Watton is generally safer than many other areas in the country. With a safety score of 84 out of 100, Watton also surpasses the UK average safety score of 79. However, understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in the area, and the trends affecting them, is crucial for maintaining a sense of security and community wellbeing. Over the period, crime rates have been decreasing, showing an 11.1% year-on-year reduction.

In Watton, the most prevalent crimes reported between January 2025 and December 2025 were related to violence and sexual offences, accounting for 54.0% of all recorded incidents (408 crimes). These were followed by anti-social behaviour (11.2% - 85 crimes), and criminal damage and arson (7.3% - 55 crimes). Public order offences represented 6.9% of crimes (52 incidents), while other crimes comprised 6.6% (50 crimes). Theft, in its various forms, accounts for a significant portion of crime in Watton, with other theft representing 4.4% of incidents (33 crimes). Shoplifting accounted for 2.2% (17 crimes), vehicle crime 2.0% (15 crimes), and burglary 1.6% (12 crimes). While these figures provide a detailed picture of crime types, it’s important to consider the context of Watton’s population and environment when interpreting these statistics. Factors such as the town’s demographics, local economic conditions, and community engagement initiatives can all influence crime rates.

Crime rates in Watton have been steadily decreasing, exhibiting an 11.1% reduction year-on-year. This positive trend is reflected in the monthly data, which shows fluctuations but an overall downward trajectory. While January, February, and March saw crime rates around 4.4 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, the rates increased to 5.4 and 5.8 per 1,000 in April and July respectively. However, a notable decrease was observed in August (3.6 per 1,000) and September (3.9 per 1,000), followed by a peak of 6.5 in October. The final months of the year, November and December, saw rates of 4.5 and 7.6 per 1,000 respectively, indicating that this is a seasonal pattern. This overall decline suggests that ongoing crime prevention strategies are proving effective, but continued monitoring and proactive measures are crucial to sustain this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Watton

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Watton, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly during the evening hours. Always walk with a friend or in well-lit areas. Due to the frequency of criminal damage and arson, secure your property and valuables, and report any suspicious activity. If you've experienced anti-social behaviour, report it to the authorities promptly. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to avoid opportunistic theft.

Crime in Watton exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary attempts are most common between midnight and 6am, accounting for 15% of incidents during this period. Vehicle crime also shows a peak during the night (12am-6am), representing 30% of incidents. Theft tends to be higher during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), while other crimes are more prevalent in the evening hours (6pm-12am). Understanding these patterns can help residents and businesses take appropriate preventative measures.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Watton demonstrates a significantly lower crime rate. Saham Toney, Griston, Carbrooke, and Thompson all report zero crimes per 1,000 residents, highlighting Watton's relatively better safety profile within the Breckland district. While these neighbouring areas offer a safe environment, the disparity in crime statistics underscores the importance of continued vigilance and community engagement within Watton to sustain its current safety levels.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics like those for Watton, where violence and sexual offences represent a significant proportion of incidents, highlights the need for a more proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, changes the game by detecting threats before they escalate into burglaries or other crimes. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle registrations with the DVLA database and learning your family’s routines to distinguish genuine threats from normal activity. The visible presence of scOS, with its intelligent lighting and audible deterrents, creates an element of surprise for potential intruders, often causing them to reconsider their actions – the right security system can make that 60-second decision easy for them. This preventative capability, combined with professional-grade equipment, signals a serious commitment to property protection.