Great Yarmouth Crime Rate

Great Yarmouth, a prominent coastal resort and port town, has an overall crime rate of 112.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 72/100, which is below the UK benchmark of 78. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, showing a minor 1.7% increase year-over-year. As a busy destination with a significant seasonal population, Great Yarmouth faces urban crime challenges typical of larger resort towns. Understanding these local patterns is essential for residents and visitors to stay safe. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types and practical safety suggestions for the area.

Great Yarmouth is a major seaside resort and port town on the Norfolk coast. Its crime statistics are shaped by several unique factors, including its high seasonal tourism, its role as a hub for the offshore energy industry, and its status as a significant commercial centre. The area features a mix of dense urban residential zones, a bustling seafront, and industrial port areas. During the summer months, the massive influx of visitors can lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and opportunistic crime. Like many coastal towns, Great Yarmouth also faces socio-economic challenges that can influence local crime rates. The combination of a high-density urban core and a transient seasonal population typically results in higher reported crime figures compared to the more rural parts of Norfolk.

In Great Yarmouth, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types, making up 42.9% of all reports at a rate of 48.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (13.6%), followed by criminal damage and arson (9.8%). Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 34.3 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.9, making property security a significant concern for local residents and business owners. Within this category, 'other theft' and shoplifting are the most prevalent. Burglary occurs at a rate of 3.4 per 1,000, while vehicle crime stands at 3.1. For homeowners, these figures indicate that while violent crime is the primary police focus, there is a consistent level of property-related crime that requires proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Great Yarmouth is currently stable, with a minor 1.7% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern, with crime rates rising during the spring and summer months. The rate increased from 7.8 per 1,000 in February 2025 to a peak of 10.5 in July 2025, reflecting the impact of the summer tourism season. By September and October, the rate had settled back to around 9.5-9.9. This stability suggests that while there are seasonal fluctuations, the underlying crime levels in the area remain consistent.

In the local regional context, Great Yarmouth's crime rate of 112.7 per 1,000 residents is higher than its neighbours. Nearby areas such as Norwich, South Norfolk, Broadland, North Norfolk, East Suffolk, and Breckland all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset. This highlights Great Yarmouth's position as a concentrated hub for activity and reported crime in the region. While it has higher rates than its rural and suburban neighbours, it offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with the trade-off of more typical urban safety challenges.

With a property crime rate of 34.3 per 1,000 residents, Great Yarmouth homeowners should consider the advantages of proactive security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a theft or break-in has occurred. In a busy town where opportunists may be more active, a different approach is needed. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder before they reach your home and respond autonomously by activating lights or speakers. This destroys the element of surprise and can prevent a crime before it happens. For Great Yarmouth residents, where 'other theft' and criminal damage are notable issues, a proactive system like scOS offers a superior level of deterrence and peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Great Yarmouth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Great Yarmouth, followed by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe in the area, consider these practical suggestions:

1. Seafront Awareness: When enjoying the seafront or town centre, especially during the busy summer season, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure.
2. Deter Criminal Damage: With criminal damage and arson at 9.8% of total crime, ensure your property's exterior is well-lit and that any flammable materials or waste are kept in secure bins away from buildings.
3. Secure Your Home: To combat property crime, invest in high-quality locks and consider proactive security measures that monitor your property's perimeter.
4. Vehicle Vigilance: Always lock your car and remove all valuables. In a high-traffic resort town, even a small item on display can attract opportunistic thieves.
5. Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour is a significant local issue. Reporting incidents to the police helps them identify hotspots and deploy resources more effectively during peak times.