Gorleston-on-Sea Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2025, Gorleston-on-Sea recorded 202 crimes, translating to 8.4 crimes per 1,000 residents—9.1% above the UK average of 7.7. For a coastal town of 23,947 residents, this equates to roughly 202 crimes for every 24,000 people, a rate that, while not extreme, reflects the area’s unique dynamics. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (38.1% of total), anti-social behaviour (14.4%), and shoplifting (12.4%). The prominence of violent crimes may be linked to the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where public spaces are frequently used during evening hours. Anti-social behaviour, though 5% below the UK average, still accounts for a significant share of reported incidents, possibly influenced by the transition into darker evenings and the proximity to Great Yarmouth’s nightlife. Shoplifting’s sharp rise to 25 incidents—59% above the UK average—suggests seasonal factors like Halloween or increased foot traffic during the month. This pattern aligns with coastal towns where tourist activity can spike during autumn, creating opportunities for retail crime. The overall rate, while elevated compared to the UK, remains in line with other coastal areas that experience similar seasonal fluctuations. The data also reveals a mixed picture: while violent and property crimes rose, categories like vehicle crime and burglary remained below the UK average, due to the area’s relatively low density of vehicles and commercial properties. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions during periods of increased tourism and seasonal events.

October saw a dramatic 177.8% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 9 to 25. This jump, which places shoplifting at 1.0 per 1,000 residents—59% above the UK average—suggests heightened retail activity or opportunistic behaviour during Halloween. Concurrently, burglary and criminal damage both increased by 33.3%, though these remain below the UK average for their categories. The drop in vehicle crime by 33.3% (from 12 to 8) may reflect fewer cars on the road during October. Anti-social behaviour remained 5% below the UK average at 1.2 per 1,000, a figure that, while lower than national trends, still represents 14.4% of all reported crimes. Residents may find the 25 shoplifting incidents particularly concerning, as they represent the third-largest category of crime in the month. This surge contrasts with the 75% drop in 'other crime' and 50% decline in drug-related offences, which may indicate shifting patterns in criminal activity or improved policing in those areas.

Gorleston-on-Sea’s crime rate rose 18.2% from 7.1 to 8.4 per 1,000 residents in October 2025, marking the highest monthly rate since at least 2023. With 202 crimes reported over 31 days, this equates to roughly 7 crimes per day—a figure that, while not extreme, underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces. On a population scale, this means one reported crime occurred for every 119 residents during the month, a ratio that, while lower than some urban centres, remains notable for a coastal town. The increase appears to be driven by a shift in crime mix, with violent offences and anti-social behaviour surging compared to September. Daily crime counts, though not directly comparable to national figures, provide a tangible sense of frequency for local residents. The 1-in-119 monthly exposure rate is consistent with the area’s character as a mixed-use coastal community, where seasonal factors and tourism may amplify certain types of crime. This context suggests that while the overall rate is not exceptional, the specific patterns warrant attention from local authorities and residents alike.