Caister-on-Sea Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile for Caister-on-Sea in April 2023 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent crime, with 29 incidents (67.4% of total) compared to property crimes (3). This imbalance suggests a pattern that diverges from the UK average, where violent offences account for 27% of reported crimes. The area’s crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents—34.7% below the UK average of 7.5—reflects a safer environment, though the high proportion of violent crime raises questions about local dynamics. Seasonal factors may play a role: Easter and spring weather typically increase foot traffic in coastal areas like Caister-on-Sea, which is part of Great Yarmouth’s built-up region. This could explain the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, linked to late-night activity or social gatherings in the town’s coastal setting. Anti-social behaviour (14.0% of total crimes) and public order offences (9.3%) further highlight challenges in managing community interactions during peak tourist periods. While property crime rates are exceptionally low—3 incidents across 8,764 residents—this contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes are more common. The absence of significant shoplifting or vehicle crime may indicate effective local policing or a demographic profile less prone to such offences. However, the dominance of violent crime deserves closer attention, as it diverges from the typical coastal resort crime profile, which often sees higher theft rates. This suggests unique factors at play, tied to Caister-on-Sea’s specific social or economic context.

April 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting and drug-related offences both increasing by 100% compared to March. This suggests emerging trends, though the absolute numbers remain small (one incident each). Anti-social behaviour rose by 50%, from 4 to 6 incidents, indicating potential pressures during the Easter period. Conversely, other thefts decreased by 33.3%, from 3 to 2, possibly reflecting seasonal changes in retail activity. The crime mix also reveals stark contrasts with the UK average: violence and sexual offences are 27% above the national rate (3.3 vs 2.6 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour is 41% below (0.7 vs 1.2 per 1,000). These disparities highlight Caister-on-Sea’s unique profile—its lower rates of anti-social behaviour may reflect community cohesion, while higher violent crime could be tied to transient populations or specific local incidents. For residents, the 100% increase in shoplifting is a concrete data point: local retailers may need to review security measures, though the single incident remains an outlier. The overall crime mix, with violent offences dominating, contrasts with typical coastal areas where theft from the person or vehicle crime is more prevalent, suggesting a need for targeted policing strategies.

The crime rate in April 2023 (4.9 per 1,000) was marginally lower than March’s 5.0 per 1,000, a 2.2% decrease. This slight decline aligns with the seasonal context of April, which often sees a reduction in crime compared to the busier Easter holiday period. Over 30 days, the area experienced an average of 1.4 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 204 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 134 residents. With a population of 8,764, the low crime rate underscores Caister-on-Sea’s position as a relatively safe built-up area within Great Yarmouth. However, the dominance of violent crime—despite the overall low rate—suggests that safety is not absolute. Residents may perceive the area as secure due to its low total crime count, but the high proportion of violent incidents could affect feelings of safety, particularly during late-night hours. The comparison to the UK average also highlights the area’s effectiveness in reducing anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are 41% and 79% below national rates, respectively. These figures may reflect a combination of local policing strategies, community engagement, and the area’s character as a coastal town with a focus on tourism over industrial activity.