Hemsby Crime Rate

Hemsby maintains a very safe profile with a crime rate of 52.0 per 1,000 residents, 42.8% below the UK average. While the area is generally secure, a sharp 127.3% year-on-year increase in public order crimes highlights emerging challenges. This data suggests a balance between the area's strong community networks and evolving social dynamics that require attention.

Hemsby is a built-up area within Great Yarmouth, characterized by a mix of residential properties, local businesses, and community spaces. As a commuter town with proximity to coastal attractions, it experiences a blend of everyday life and seasonal activity. The area’s relatively low population density and strong community networks likely contribute to its overall safety, though the rise in public order incidents suggests emerging challenges tied to local events or social dynamics.

The most surprising finding is the sharp 127.3% year-on-year increase in public order crimes, despite remaining 21% below the UK average. This could reflect heightened community engagement or a shift in policing priorities. Violence and sexual offences, while 24% below the UK average, remain the most common category, possibly linked to the area’s proximity to nightlife venues or transient populations. Anti-social behaviour, 57% below the UK average, may be mitigated by strong Neighbourhood Watch initiatives. Vehicle crime, though 70% below the UK average, has risen 40% YoY, likely due to increased car ownership or parking vulnerabilities in residential zones.

Crime in Hemsby has remained stable (2.8% YoY), with no significant overall increase or decrease. However, public order crimes have surged by 127.3% year-on-year, the most dramatic change in the area. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the peak in May 2025 (8.0 per 1,000/month), which could reflect heightened community activity or local events. Other crimes, like anti-social behaviour (-11.1% YoY), have decreased, suggesting effective policing or community initiatives. The stability in overall crime rates, despite public order’s sharp rise, indicates that Hemsby’s safety measures are largely holding.

How To Keep Safe in Hemsby

For residents, securing vehicles overnight is crucial as vehicle crime has risen 40% YoY. Parking in well-lit areas or using immobilizers can reduce risk. Given the 127.3% increase in public order crimes, staying aware of local events and reporting suspicious behaviour through 101 could help mitigate tensions. For households, scOS’s perimeter monitoring offers a discreet way to deter burglars, which remain at 2.2 per 1,000 — 34% below the UK average. Community engagement, such as participating in Neighbourhood Watch, may also help address the rise in public order incidents.

Crime in Hemsby follows distinct daily patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), aligning with retail activity and potential shoplifting. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am-6am), reflecting opportunities in residential parking areas. Burglary is most common in the evening (6pm-12am), possibly tied to reduced household vigilance. Other crimes, like anti-social behaviour, are evenly distributed but show higher rates during weekends, suggesting a link to social gatherings or community events.

Compared to nearby areas, Hemsby has a 22% higher crime rate than Ormesby St Margaret (42.5 per 1,000) and 71% higher than Martham (30.5 per 1,000). However, Martham remains the safest neighbour with the lowest crime rate. These differences may reflect varying economic profiles or community engagement levels in each area.

In Hemsby, where crime rates are below the UK average, proactive home security measures can provide added peace of mind, scOS uses AI to detect threats at property perimeters, distinguishing between regular visitors and potential intruders. With vehicle crime rising 40% YoY, systems that monitor parking areas and trigger deterrents during peak hours could be particularly valuable. The system’s ability to learn behavioural patterns ensures minimal false alarms, making it a proportionate solution for this low-crime area.