Dersingham Crime Rate

Dersingham is one of the safest urban settlements in the country, boasting an overall crime rate of just 28.9 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the village an impressive safety score of 93/100. In comparison to the UK average safety score of 79, Dersingham stands out as a highly secure and peaceful location. While the area has seen an 11.2% increase in crime over the past year, the overall volume of incidents remains exceptionally low. This stability and high safety standard make Dersingham a very attractive place for those prioritising safety and community. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types and identifies the specific times when different offences are most likely to occur.

In Dersingham, the most frequent crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.5% of all reports (12.3 per 1,000), followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.4% and criminal damage and arson at 11.5%. For those focused on property safety, the property crime rate is 7.1 per 1,000 residents. This includes 9 shoplifting offences, 7 incidents of other theft, and 1 vehicle crime. Additionally, there were 16 reports of criminal damage and arson. While the overall property crime rate is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.3, the volume of criminal damage is notable for a small village. Residents should be aware that property damage is a primary focus for opportunistic crime in this area.

Dersingham is currently experiencing a slight increase in crime, with total offences rising by 11.2% over the past year. Monthly data analysis shows that the crime rate was very low and stable throughout 2025. The year started with a rate of 3.1 per 1,000 in December 2024, followed by a decline. There was a notable peak in August (4.0), before the rate declined again to 2.1 in November. This overall upward trend, while modest, suggests a slight increase in criminal activity in the area. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of maintaining robust security measures and remaining vigilant, as the volume of crime can vary significantly from month to month.

How To Keep Safe in Dersingham

Violence and sexual offences are the highest recorded crime type in Dersingham, although the overall volume remains low. To stay safe, it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Sticking to well-lit paths and letting someone know your expected arrival time are simple but effective precautions.

Criminal damage and arson are also significant concerns, accounting for over 11% of all crime. To protect your home, ensure that your property is well-lit and that any gates or fences are secure. For residents, the overall property crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 indicates that theft is a concern. To protect your home and vehicle, always ensure they are locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight. Vehicle crime is extremely rare but still happens; ensure your car is locked and no valuables are visible. Burglary is non-existent in the current data but basic security is still recommended; simple steps like using timer lights when you're away and ensuring all windows are secure can go a long way in deterring opportunistic thieves. Participating in a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help keep the community informed and safe. Given the village nature of the area, staying connected with neighbours and reporting any suspicious activity is essential for maintaining community security.

Dersingham's crime data reveals distinct temporal trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 43% and 49% of all crimes respectively. This coincides with the busiest times for the village's local shops. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts dramatically toward 'Other' categories, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, accounting for a high 81% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where 'Other' crimes remain dominant at 75%, while vehicle crime accounts for 13% of the few offences recorded. These patterns suggest that while theft is a daytime issue, the risk of anti-social behaviour is highest when the streets are quietest. Understanding these trends allows residents to be more vigilant during specific high-risk periods.

Dersingham sits in a notably safe pocket of the local authority district. Its crime rate of 28.9 per 1,000 is lower than that of nearby Heacham (34.8) and significantly lower than Hunstanton (60.2). It is very similar in profile to Snettisham, which has a rate of 25.9. While it cannot match the zero-crime statistics of very small hamlets like Ingoldisthorpe, Shepherd's Port, or Hillington, Dersingham offers a very high level of security for its size. For those looking for a safe residential environment within easy reach of larger towns, Dersingham compares very favourably to its neighbours. The recent 11.2% increase in crime is a localized trend that residents should monitor when comparing Dersingham to these nearby areas.

With a property crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents, property owners in Dersingham should be mindful of security, especially regarding criminal damage. Many traditional systems, like DIY smart cameras, are reactive—they notify you only after someone has already stepped onto your property or tried your door handle. In Dersingham, where criminal damage is a notable property concern, proactive deterrence is key. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using advanced AI to monitor your entire property boundary, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour in real-time. If an unknown person is loitering near your home or vehicle at night, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights and audible warnings. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to abandon their attempt. For Dersingham homeowners, scOS provides a professional-grade layer of protection that prioritises prevention over mere recording.