Great Yarmouth Crime Rate

Great Yarmouth's crime rate of 109.8 per 1,000 residents, 20.6% above the UK average, is shaped by its coastal location and transient population. The most alarming figure is the 64% above-average rate of possession of weapons, which highlights a unique challenge for the area. While rural parts like Martham remain relatively safe, the urban core faces significant issues with violence and property crime.

Great Yarmouth's unique mix of urban, rural, and seaside environments shapes its crime profile. As a coastal town with a thriving port, tourist attractions, and proximity to major roads like the A47, the urban core experiences higher foot traffic and vibrant nightlife, contributing to elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. In contrast, rural areas like Martham show significantly lower crime rates, likely due to sparse population density and fewer commercial spaces. The town's economic reliance on tourism and retail may also drive shoplifting and public order issues, though recent declines in these categories suggest improved security measures. However, the sharp rise in robbery could reflect increased transient populations during peak tourist seasons or gaps in local policing resources.

The most striking finding in Great Yarmouth's crime profile is the 64% above-average rate of possession of weapons (1.5 per 1,000), which is higher than the UK average of 0.9. This may be linked to the town's transient population, including seasonal workers and tourists, who may carry weapons for self-defence in areas perceived as unsafe. Criminal damage and arson (10.6 per 1,000) is 61% above the UK average, likely driven by the town's coastal infrastructure and the vulnerability of seaside properties to vandalism. Violence and sexual offences (47.1 per 1,000) are 47% above the UK average, exacerbated by the town's nightlife and entertainment hubs. These trends contrast with the decline in shoplifting (-11% YoY), which may reflect improved retail security measures or reduced foot traffic in certain areas. The rise in robbery (+57% YoY) suggests a shift in criminal activity, tied to the town's role as a transit point for illicit goods or services.

Crime in Great Yarmouth has remained stable (-3.8% YoY) over the past year, but several crime types have shown significant changes. Robbery has surged by 57.4% YoY, reaching 0.8 per 1,000, which is still 29% below the UK average. This increase may be linked to the town's role as a transit point for illicit goods. Vehicle crime has risen by 21.9% YoY, likely due to increased tourism and transient populations. In contrast, anti-social behaviour has decreased by 12.6% YoY, possibly reflecting improved community engagement. The monthly trend shows a peak in July 2025 (10.5 per 1,000) and a trough in January 2026 (7.6 per 1,000), aligning with seasonal tourism patterns.

Great Yarmouth's crime rate of 109.8 per 1,000 is significantly higher than surrounding areas. For example, South Norfolk has a rate of 48.5 per 1,000, 126% lower than Great Yarmouth, while Broadland's rate of 40.0 per 1,000 is 174% lower. Even the safest area within Great Yarmouth, Martham, has a rate of 30.5 per 1,000, 260% lower than the town's average. This stark contrast underscores the influence of urban density and tourism on crime patterns in Great Yarmouth.

For residents in Great Yarmouth, where possession of weapons is 64% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS offers AI-powered boundary monitoring that detects threats before they reach your property, reducing the risk of weapon-related incidents. The system's ability to distinguish between familiar vehicles and potential threats using DVLA registration checks is particularly relevant in areas with high transient populations. Cameras connected via ethernet ensure reliability, and the system's learning capabilities adapt to local patterns, such as increased activity during peak tourist seasons. At £19 per month, this tailored approach addresses the specific risks faced by Great Yarmouth residents.

How To Keep Safe in Great Yarmouth

Given the 64% above-average rate of possession of weapons, residents should avoid areas with high transient populations, such as the urban core, during late evenings. For the 61% above-average rate of criminal damage and arson, secure coastal properties with motion-activated lighting and consider community watch initiatives. The sharp rise in robbery (+57% YoY) suggests heightened vigilance is needed in tourist-heavy zones. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in public spaces, and report suspicious activity promptly. In rural areas like Martham, where crime is 260% lower than the town's average, community engagement remains a key factor in maintaining low crime rates.