Downham Market Crime Rate

Downham Market maintains a high level of safety with an overall crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7. This safe environment is reflected in its impressive safety score of 88/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. Furthermore, the area has seen a 7.8% decrease in crime over the past year. This downward trend, combined with the low volume of incidents, makes Downham Market 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 Downham Market, the most frequent crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.2% of all reports (17.9 per 1,000), followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.4% and criminal damage and arson at 10.1%. For those focused on property safety, the property crime rate is 16.3 per 1,000 residents. This includes 58 shoplifting offences, 50 incidents of other theft, 21 vehicle crimes, and 12 burglaries. Additionally, there were 73 reports of criminal damage and arson. While the overall property crime rate is well below the UK average of 32.3, the volume of theft and criminal damage is notable for a market town. Residents should be aware that both commercial and residential properties are regular targets for opportunistic crime in this area.

Downham Market is currently experiencing a stable crime trend, with total offences dropping by 7.8% over the past year. Monthly data analysis shows that the crime rate was relatively consistent throughout 2025. The year started with a peak of 6.1 per 1,000 in December 2024, but then declined and remained steady. Most months saw rates between 3.3 and 5.6, with no major spikes in the latter half of the year. This overall stability is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that Downham Market remains a secure and manageable market town. For residents, this lack of major volatility in crime rates provides a high level of peace of mind and reinforces the area's reputation as a stable residential location.

How To Keep Safe in Downham Market

Violence and sexual offences are the highest recorded crime type in Downham Market, 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 avoiding isolated areas can significantly reduce your risk.

Criminal damage and arson are also significant concerns, accounting for over 10% 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 16.3 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 less common but still present; ensure your car is locked and no valuables are visible. Burglary is very rare but still happens; 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. Many vehicle crimes in Downham Market occur at night, so ensuring your driveway is well-lit and monitored during these hours is particularly important.

Downham Market's crime data reveals distinct temporal trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 48% and 52% of all crimes respectively. This coincides with the busiest shopping and working hours in the town centre. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward 'Other' categories, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, accounting for a high 64% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 25% of all offences, and burglary peaks at 10%. These patterns suggest that while theft is a daytime issue, the risk to residential property and vehicles is highest when the streets are quietest. Understanding these trends allows residents to be more vigilant during specific high-risk periods.

Downham Market sits in a notably safe pocket of the local authority district. While it is more active than the very small, quiet hamlets nearby such as Denver, Wimbotsham, Barroway Drove, and Stow Bridge, which recorded no crimes during the same period, it maintains a much lower crime rate than larger urban centres. For a market town, Downham Market provides a safe residential alternative while still being more active than its most rural surroundings. The recent 7.8% decrease in crime is a positive trend that residents should monitor when comparing Downham Market to these nearby areas. For those looking for a quiet, low-crime environment, Downham Market offers a highly secure residential choice.

With a property crime rate of 16.3 per 1,000 residents, property owners in Downham Market should be mindful of security, especially given that criminal damage and theft are significant local concerns. 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 Downham Market, where theft and damage are notable property concerns, 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 Downham Market homeowners, scOS provides a professional-grade layer of protection that prioritises prevention over mere recording.