Downham Market Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

July 2023 marked a continuation of Downham Market's consistently low crime profile, with an overall crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents—57.8% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This built-up area within King's Lynn and West Norfolk has maintained a crime picture characterised by lower violent crime rates relative to national trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.4% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.8%) and public order (16.7%). These figures align with the area's likely mix of rural-adjacent residential zones and small-scale commercial activity, which may contribute to lower property crime rates compared to larger urban centres. The summer season, with schools out and festivals in full swing, could have driven some spikes in public order offences, though overall crime remains firmly below national benchmarks. The low rate of burglary (2.1% of total crimes) suggests effective community policing or limited high-value targets in the area. Seasonal dynamics—such as increased foot traffic during festivals or events—may temporarily elevate certain crime types, but the overall trend indicates a stable, low-crime environment. This data reinforces the area's status as a relatively safe place to live, though localised spikes in specific categories warrant continued monitoring.

July 2023 saw significant month-on-month shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences surging by 300% (from 2 to 8 incidents) and possession of weapons doubling to 1 case. These increases occurred against a backdrop of declines in burglary (-75%) and shoplifting (-66.7%), suggesting a possible reallocation of criminal activity during the summer season. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, but their rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents—57% below the UK average—highlights the area's continued safety in this category. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.7 per 1,000, was also 51% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the community's resilience or effective local interventions. The rate of drugs offences (0.1 per 1,000) was 55% below the UK average, indicating a lower prevalence of drug-related crime in this area compared to national trends. Residents may find the sharp decline in shoplifting—now at 1 incident compared to 3 in June—particularly relevant, as it could reflect improved retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the summer. However, the increase in public order offences may signal challenges in managing large gatherings during festivals, a common occurrence in this part of Norfolk during peak tourist season.

July 2023's crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents represented a 12.8% decrease from June's 4.0 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend in local crime statistics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day over the month—a figure that, while low, may appear higher in contexts where residents are more likely to notice incidents during the summer's extended daylight hours. When scaled to the population of 13,836 residents, this equated to one reported crime for every 288 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable towns. This statistic suggests that the area's policing strategies and community engagement efforts have been effective in maintaining low crime levels despite the challenges of a tourist season. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the volatility of certain crime types: while burglary and shoplifting declined sharply, the surge in public order offences underscores the need for targeted interventions during large events. Residents living in the area may perceive these statistics as reassuring, given the stark contrast to the UK average, though the fluctuation in public order crimes indicates that localised factors—such as the timing of festivals or changes in event management—can still influence crime trends.