Broadland Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Broadland recorded 459 crimes across its population of 138,157 residents, translating to a crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 — 59.3% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure highlights the area's consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends, though the breakdown reveals a complex picture of local patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 46.4% of all crimes (213 incidents), making them the most prevalent category, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.3%) and criminal damage and arson (10.7%). These rates are significantly below UK averages, with violence and sexual offences at 43% below the national rate of 2.6 per 1,000. The seasonal context of August — a peak holiday month — may have influenced crime dynamics, as empty homes during the summer could increase burglary risks. However, the data shows no such spike in burglary, with the category at 0.1 per 1,000, 71% below the UK average. This contrast suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or property management practices, may mitigate seasonal risks. The dominance of violent crime over property crime (violence at 46.4% vs property at 28.1%) indicates a different crime profile compared to typical urban areas, where property crime often dominates. This could reflect Broadland's character as a mixed rural-urban district with a strong emphasis on community policing and social services, though further analysis would be needed to confirm such connections. The overall rate remains stable compared to previous months, with no major spikes or drops, suggesting a consistent baseline of activity rather than a sudden shift in criminal behaviour.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour dropping by 38.8% to 52 incidents — the lowest monthly total in over a year. This decline may reflect reduced public gatherings during the summer holidays or enhanced local enforcement. Conversely, possession of weapons rose sharply by 150%, from 4 to 10 incidents, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 43%. This increase, while small in absolute terms, warrants attention given its potential link to heightened tensions or unexplained factors. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 6.6% to 213 incidents, though they remain 43% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The category breakdown also shows shoplifting at 0.2 per 1,000 — 100% below the UK average — a trend consistent with Broadland's lower retail crime rates. For residents, the 53.3% drop in vehicle crime to 7 incidents offers a concrete example of how seasonal changes can influence specific crime types.

Broadland's August 2023 crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents marks a 2.9% decline from July's 3.4, reflecting a slight downward trend. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 301 residents — a monthly aggregate that translates to roughly 15 crimes per day in Broadland. This daily figure provides a tangible sense of the pace at which incidents occur in the area. With a population of 138,157, the crime rate remains 59.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, highlighting a consistent gap between Broadland and national trends. The population-scaled perspective shows that the likelihood of experiencing crime here is significantly lower than the UK average, though local factors such as seasonal activity and community initiatives may contribute to this disparity. The drop in anti-social behaviour by 38.8% and vehicle crime by 53.3% suggests targeted efforts or natural seasonal shifts, though further analysis would be needed to confirm specific causes.