Gorleston-on-Sea Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Gorleston-on-Sea, 8.9 crimes were reported in September 2024, placing the area 15.6% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This coastal town, known for its proximity to Great Yarmouth and seasonal tourism, saw violence and sexual offences account for nearly 38% of all incidents, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The sharp rise in shoplifting—91% above the UK average—may be linked to the influx of visitors during the late summer months, though local retailers report no major changes in security measures. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.2 per 1,000, also exceeded UK rates by 114%, suggesting a possible connection to the area’s mix of residential and commercial properties. September, with its transition to darker evenings and back-to-school routines, likely contributes to the higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The seasonal context of freshers’ week and the start of term may have driven spikes in alcohol-related incidents. The town’s proximity to coastal attractions and its role as a commuter hub for nearby cities could also shape crime patterns. Overall, the per-capita risk for residents translates to roughly one reported crime for every 113 people over the course of the month, a figure that, while higher than the UK average, remains within the range of similar coastal communities.

September 2024 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 cases) and burglary increasing by 200% (from 2 to 6 cases). These spikes may be tied to the start of the academic year, with freshers’ week potentially contributing to increased alcohol-related incidents and disputes. Conversely, robbery fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1 case), a drop that could reflect heightened police patrols or seasonal changes in public behaviour. Shoplifting, already 91% above the UK average, remained a persistent issue, with 32 incidents reported—over double the UK rate. The balance between property and violent crimes shifted as violence and sexual offences (38.2% of all crimes) outpaced property crimes (40.6% of total). This contrasts with the UK average, where violent crimes typically account for around 30% of total incidents. Anti-social behaviour, though 15% below the UK average, remained a concern, with 25 incidents reported. Residents may find the daily crime rate—roughly 7 crimes per day—particularly relevant, as it underscores the need for community vigilance during peak hours. The data also shows a 100% increase in bicycle theft, which could be linked to the influx of students and tourists using bikes for short trips around the area.

The crime rate in Gorleston-on-Sea rose by 10.3% from 8.0 per 1,000 in August to 8.9 per 1,000 in September, reflecting a continued upward trend. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 7 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while not extreme, highlights the need for consistent community awareness. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, remains comparable to other coastal towns with similar tourism profiles. With a population of 23,947, the absolute number of crimes (212) represents a manageable challenge for local authorities, though the concentration of violent crimes—particularly violence and sexual offences—raises concerns. The UK average of 7.7 per 1,000 suggests that Gorleston-on-Sea’s rate is not an outlier in absolute terms, but the specific mix of crimes, particularly the sharp rise in weapon possession, sets it apart. Residents living in areas with high foot traffic, such as the town centre or near popular tourist attractions, may perceive the risk as higher, though a direct correlation between location and crime type. The comparison to the UK average also underscores the importance of local initiatives, such as targeted policing during freshers’ week or increased lighting in public spaces, to mitigate risks without overgeneralizing the problem.