Aylsham Crime Rate

Aylsham is a highly safe market town with an overall crime rate of 43.9 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This earns the town a safety score of 90/100, indicating a secure environment for its residents. Most notably, crime in Aylsham is on a sharp downward trend, with a -22.0% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that while violence and sexual offences are the most recorded crime type, property crime rates remain low. This analysis explores the specific crime breakdown, time-based patterns, and practical safety advice to help the Aylsham community stay informed and protected.

In Aylsham, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 132 incidents (17.8 per 1,000), representing 40.5% of total crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 19.0% (62 crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.7% (35 crimes).

Property crime overall—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 12.4 per 1,000 people. This includes 23 shoplifting cases and 13 burglaries. While property crime is much lower than the UK average, it still represents nearly 30% of local offences. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most frequent category, the cumulative risk of property-related incidents is a significant factor in the local security landscape. Traditional home security remains important to protect against the 1.8 per 1,000 burglary rate.

Aylsham has experienced a significant improvement in safety, with a -22.0% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This downward trend is a strong positive signal for the town. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate was relatively stable in the early part of the year, hovering around 3.5 to 3.9 per 1,000.

There was a notable spike in May 2025, where the rate jumped to 5.9 per 1,000, before gradually declining through the summer and autumn. The rate reached a low of 2.7 in August. The year ended with a slight increase to 4.6 in October, before settling at 3.1 in November. These fluctuations are typical for a market town, but the overall trajectory remains clearly downward, reinforcing Aylsham's reputation as an increasingly safe place to live and work.

How To Keep Safe in Aylsham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Aylsham, though the overall volume is low. Residents should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night in the town centre or near the parkland areas. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid cut-throughs that are not clearly visible.

For property safety, anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue. Ensure your home's exterior is well-maintained and clearly monitored, as this can deter nuisance behaviour. Since burglary rates peak during the night (27%) and afternoon (23%), always ensure that windows and doors are locked, even if you are just in the garden or out for a short walk. Shoplifting is also a factor in the town centre; if you are a local business owner, ensure your premises are well-lit and that staff are trained in crime prevention. Finally, although vehicle crime is rare, always remove valuables from your car and ensure it is parked in a secure, well-lit area to maintain Aylsham's high safety standards.

Crime in Aylsham follows specific daily cycles. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft (36%), often related to the town's retail and commercial activity. As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime shifts toward anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, which are grouped under 'Other' crimes, peaking at 62% in the evening. Burglary risk is distributed throughout the day but shows a notable peak during the night (27%) and afternoon (23%). Vehicle crime is also more prevalent during the night (14%) compared to other times. Overall crime volume is typically lowest in the early morning hours (3am - 6am), with activity increasing as the town wakes up and peaking in the late afternoon and evening.

Aylsham serves as a safe central hub for several smaller Norfolk villages. When compared to nearby Buxton (Broadland), which has a much higher crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000, Aylsham is significantly more secure. It also compares favourably to Hevingham (34.8). While very small settlements like Marsham and Erpingham reported no crimes during this period, Aylsham's rate of 43.9 is excellent for a town of its size and activity level. For those looking for a secure market town environment in Broadland, Aylsham offers a very positive safety profile with a strong downward trend in criminal activity.

Aylsham has a property crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 people, which is well below the national average. However, the presence of burglary and criminal damage means that homeowners should still prioritise effective security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed, which can be frustrating for victims.

A proactive approach is far more effective in preventing crime. The scOS AI-powered home security system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property in real-time. It can distinguish between your family, delivery drivers, and potential threats at the boundary. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and deterring them before they reach your home. In a town like Aylsham, where safety scores are high, a visible and intelligent security system like scOS ensures your property remains a hard target, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on.