Gorleston-on-Sea Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Gorleston-on-Sea recorded a total of 169 crimes across a population of 23,947 residents, translating to a crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 individuals—11.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure equates to approximately five crimes reported each day, a rate that, while low, highlights the importance of maintaining community vigilance. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16%) and criminal damage and arson (10%). These trends align with the area’s status as a coastal built-up area within Great Yarmouth, where crime rates are historically lower than in larger urban centres. However, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences—19% above the UK average—raises questions about local factors that may contribute to this disparity. Seasonal influences, such as the transition to darker evenings and the proximity of Halloween, likely play a role in shaping these patterns, as increased alcohol consumption and public gatherings can heighten opportunities for such crimes. The relatively low rates of burglary (71% below the UK average) and shoplifting (48% below) suggest that existing security measures, including improved lighting and community initiatives, may be effective in deterring property-related offences. Nevertheless, the significant increase in possession of weapons (329% above the UK average) indicates a pressing need for targeted interventions to address this emerging risk. These findings underscore the complex relationship between local conditions, seasonal dynamics, and crime patterns, requiring a nuanced approach to community safety planning.

October 2023 marked a significant 166.7% increase in possession of weapons, rising from three to eight incidents—a figure that may be linked to seasonal factors such as the transition into darker evenings and the proximity of Halloween, when alcohol consumption and public gatherings often increase. Concurrently, shoplifting saw a 60% rise from five to eight cases, a trend consistent with the month’s retail activity and the influence of Halloween on consumer behaviour. In contrast, burglary fell by 60%, declining from five to two incidents, a drop that may reflect improved security measures or seasonal patterns affecting residential areas. Violent crimes, which constituted 45% of all reported incidents, remained 19% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the area’s unique challenges compared to national benchmarks. Public order offences, meanwhile, fell by 50% compared to the previous month, dropping from 12 to six cases, a reduction that could be attributed to increased police presence or community-led initiatives. These fluctuations underscore the importance of contextualising crime data within local conditions, as certain categories show marked divergence from both historical trends and UK-wide averages. For residents, the sharp rise in weapon possession serves as a clear indicator of the need for targeted community engagement and resource allocation to address emerging risks.

Gorleston-on-Sea’s crime rate in October 2023 rose to 7.1 per 1,000 residents, a 6.3% increase from the previous month’s 6.6 per 1,000. This upward trend, though modest, reflects the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of five reported crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for sustained community vigilance. When scaled to the population of 23,947, this translates to a 1-in-142 chance of being directly affected by a crime over the course of the month—a monthly aggregate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. Despite this increase, Gorleston-on-Sea remains 11.3% below the UK average, a position that aligns with its coastal built-up area status, where relatively lower crime rates are often observed compared to larger urban centres. This comparative advantage may be influenced by factors such as the town’s smaller population density and the presence of open spaces that reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the 6.3% month-on-month rise signals a shift worth monitoring, particularly as seasonal factors like darker evenings and Halloween-related activity may contribute to increased incidents. Local authorities and residents should remain attentive to these trends, even as the area maintains its overall safety profile relative to national benchmarks.