Aylsham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

May 2024 marked a significant shift in Aylsham's crime profile, driven by a sharp 116.7% increase in violence and sexual offences — the most dramatic month-on-month change recorded. With a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents, the built-up area remains 39.3% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a position that reflects both its relatively low population density and the character of its communities. The crime mix has also evolved, with violent crime now matching property crime in frequency (13 incidents each), a departure from previous months where property crime dominated. This shift may be influenced by May's seasonal context, with longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributing to increased socialising in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour remains the second most common category at 18.4% of total crimes, consistent with patterns observed in similar rural-urban interfaces. Shoplifting (10.5% of crimes) is 22% below the UK average, reflecting Aylsham's smaller retail footprint compared to larger towns. The area's crime profile continues to illustrate the interplay between local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with the 116.7% surge in violent offences suggesting a need for closer monitoring of emerging trends in this category.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in violence and sexual offences, which rose from 6 to 13 incidents — an 116.7% increase. This spike, combined with a 100% rise in theft from the person, contrasts sharply with declines in criminal damage and arson (down 83.3%) and public order offences (down 66.7%). While overall crime remains 39.3% below the UK average, two categories stand out: other theft (13.2 per 1,000) exceeds the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 by 21%, and drugs offences (0.3 per 1,000) are 36% above the national rate of 0.2 per 1,000. These anomalies suggest shifting patterns, with property crime (13 incidents) and violent crime (13 incidents) now balanced equally — a departure from April's 62% property crime dominance. Residents may find the 100% increase in theft from the person particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a new risk factor emerging in the area.

Aylsham's crime rate in May 2024 rose 15.1% from 4.5 to 5.1 per 1,000 residents, marking the first increase since February. This translates to roughly one reported crime per day across the built-up area's 7,424 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 195 residents — a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the local population. While this represents a modest upward trend, it remains 39.3% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The shift may partly reflect seasonal factors, with May's longer evenings and bank holidays increasing opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the daily crime rate remains exceptionally low compared to larger urban centres, suggesting Aylsham's built-up area maintains a fundamentally safer profile than the national average despite this month's increase.