Acle Crime Rate

Acle is a market town with an overall crime rate of 85.9 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This earns the town a safety score of 77/100, indicating a relatively secure environment for its residents. However, crime in Acle is on a significant upward trend, with a 67.4% increase in total offences year-over-year. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals that while violence and sexual offences are the most recorded crime type, property crime rates remain below national averages. This analysis provides a detailed look at the local crime breakdown, time-based patterns, and practical safety advice to help the Acle community stay informed and protected during this period of increasing activity.

In Acle, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 128 incidents (46.6 per 1,000 residents), representing 54.2% of all recorded crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 10.2% (24 crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.9% (21 crimes).

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at an overall rate of 17.8 per 1,000 people. This includes 21 cases of criminal damage, 12 shoplifting incidents, 9 cases of 'other theft', 4 burglaries (1.7% of total crime), and 2 vehicle crimes. While property crime is well below the UK average, it still represents about a fifth of local offences. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the dominant category, the risk of property-related incidents is a persistent factor, particularly during the afternoon and night when burglary percentages are highest. Homeowners should maintain robust security to protect their property and assets in this market town.

Acle's crime rate has seen a significant upward trend over the last year, with a 67.4% increase in total offences. This is a notable change for the town. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate saw considerable volatility. It began at 6.2 in December and stayed relatively stable until a massive spike in April 2025, where the rate jumped to 16.7 per 1,000.

Following this peak, the rate remained elevated compared to the start of the year, with another high of 10.9 in June. The year ended with a rate of 4.0 in November 2025. These fluctuations suggest that while certain months saw high activity, the overall trend is one of increased criminal reports, which residents should consider when reviewing their personal and home security.

How To Keep Safe in Acle

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Acle, accounting for over 50% of reports. Residents should maintain personal awareness, especially when walking in the town centre or near the train station at night. It is always advisable to stick to well-lit routes and avoid areas that are not clearly visible.

Regarding property safety, theft is most common during the morning and afternoon (37-39% of crimes). Ensure that all outbuildings, such as sheds and garages, are securely locked, and avoid leaving valuable tools or bicycles on display. Since burglary and vehicle crime percentages peak significantly at night (18% and 7% respectively), always double-check that your car and home are fully secured before bed. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue; if you experience this, report it to the local authorities to help manage the recent increase in crime. Finally, local businesses should remain vigilant during peak afternoon hours when shoplifting is most likely to occur. Given the 67.4% increase in crime, community vigilance and reporting are more important than ever.

Crime in Acle follows distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 37% and 39% of crimes during these periods respectively. This likely correlates with the town's role as a local commercial and transport hub. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order, which are grouped under 'Other' crimes, peaking at 73% in the evening. The night period (12am - 6am) sees a significant change, with the percentage of burglaries (18%) and vehicle crimes (7%) reaching their highest points. Overall crime volume is typically lowest in the early morning hours, with activity increasing as the day progresses and peaking in the late afternoon and evening.

Acle serves as a commercial hub for several smaller Norfolk villages. When compared to nearby Damgate, Upton, Halvergate, and South Walsham, which all reported no crimes during this period, Acle is significantly more active. However, this is typical for a town of its size and its position as a gateway to the Broads. While Acle's crime rate of 85.9 is higher than its immediate rural neighbours, it remains safer than the broader UK average. For those seeking a market town environment with local amenities, Acle offers a balanced safety profile, though the recent upward trend in crime is worth noting.

Acle has a property crime rate of 17.8 per 1,000 people, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. With crime in the town currently on an upward trend, homeowners should prioritise effective security. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they record footage of a crime but do not intervene to stop it.

For real protection, Acle residents should consider a proactive AI-powered system like scOS. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect potential threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. If an intruder is identified, the system can autonomously activate lights and speakers to deter them. This proactive approach destroys the element of surprise and encourages criminals to move on to easier targets. In a town like Acle, where burglary risk peaks at night, the visible presence of a professional-grade security system like scOS is a highly effective way to ensure your property remains safe and secure as local crime rates fluctuate.