Gorleston-on-Sea Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Gorleston-on-Sea’s crime mix in February 2026 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by its coastal and urban character. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 57 incidents, accounting for 38.5% of total crimes—3% above the UK average for this category. This reflects the area’s proximity to Great Yarmouth’s nightlife and tourist infrastructure, which may contribute to higher rates of violent incidents during winter months when seasonal tourism and local nightlife activity intersect. Anti-social behaviour, at 10.1% of total crimes, remained below the UK average but showed a slight increase compared to previous months, potentially linked to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings and community tensions. Property crimes, comprising 37.8% of incidents, included a sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which reached 74% above the UK average. This spike may be influenced by the area’s coastal geography, where vandalism of public spaces and property is more prevalent during harsh winter conditions. Meanwhile, shoplifting and bicycle theft saw significant increases, tied to seasonal retail activity and the growing reliance on cycling for transport in the region. The overall crime rate.2 per 1,000 residents, highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories such as property damage and violent offences. The UK average of 6.4 per 1,000 underscores Gorleston-on-Sea’s relatively lower crime profile, but the specific trends in certain categories indicate areas where local authorities may need to enhance preventive measures. The seasonal context of February—characterised by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—suggests that crime patterns may shift again as warmer weather and increased tourism activity take effect in the coming months. These dynamics illustrate the importance of understanding local conditions when addressing crime prevention strategies, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to mitigate risks in the most vulnerable areas.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 350% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from two to nine. This surge, though still below the UK average for the category, may reflect seasonal factors such as pre-spring retail activity or changes in foot traffic patterns. Bicycle theft also rose sharply by 200%, potentially linked to the area's coastal geography and the increasing popularity of cycling as a transport mode. Meanwhile, burglary fell by 60% compared to January, a decline that could be attributed to improved local security measures or the seasonal lull in outdoor activity. Criminal damage and arson rose by 125%, with 18 incidents reported—74% above the UK average for this category. This spike may be tied to the area's coastal environment, where vandalism of public infrastructure or property is more common during colder months. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 57.1%, a trend consistent with reduced car usage in winter and increased enforcement in high-traffic areas. The sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, though not reaching UK average levels, may signal underlying tensions in the community that require targeted interventions. These fluctuations underscore the combination of local conditions and crime dynamics, even as the overall rate remains below the national average.

Gorleston-on-Sea’s crime rate in February 2026 rose by 11.4% from 5.6 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a modest upward trend despite remaining 3.1% below the UK average of 6.4. This increase, though small, reflects a shift in the balance of crime types, with property crimes now accounting for 37.8% of total incidents compared to 38.5% in January. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately five reported crimes each day in February, a figure that, while consistent with historical winter patterns, highlights the persistent demand for local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 162 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This rate, however, masks variations in specific categories: for instance, criminal damage and arson rose sharply, while vehicle crime fell significantly. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the area's crime profile remains distinct, with a focus on property and violent offences that may be linked to its coastal and urban characteristics. The daily crime count, though modest, suggests that local enforcement efforts must remain vigilant, particularly as seasonal transitions can influence crime patterns. The low monthly exposure rate indicates that, while the area is not immune to crime, its overall environment is relatively safe compared to national benchmarks.