Downham Market Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 13,836, Downham Market recorded 42 crimes in May 2023, translating to a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 62.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, highlighting the area’s relatively low crime profile. The most prevalent offences were violence and sexual offences (38.1% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.8%) and public order incidents (9.5%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a small built-up area within a rural region, where the absence of large commercial centres may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended evenings—likely contributed to the higher proportion of violent offences, as increased socialising and alcohol consumption can intensify interpersonal conflicts. However, the overall crime rate remains markedly lower than national averages, suggesting that the area’s community dynamics and geographic isolation may play a role in maintaining this safety record. Property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting accounted for only 6.9% of all reported offences, a stark contrast to the UK average where property crimes typically dominate. This divergence may reflect the limited retail presence and lower foot traffic in Downham Market compared to larger urban centres. The combination of low population density, strong local policing, and seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during colder months may all contribute to this sustained period of low crime.

May 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with drug-related offences and possession of weapons both doubling compared to the previous month. This increase, while modest in absolute terms, signals a potential uptick in illicit activity that may be linked to seasonal factors such as extended evenings and social gatherings. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 71.4%, and shoplifting dropped by two-thirds, suggesting a seasonal decline in property-related crimes. The breakdown of offences reveals a stark contrast to the UK average: violence and sexual offences in Downham Market were 57% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour was 47% below the UK average. This divergence is consistent with the area’s lower population density and the absence of high-traffic urban centres that typically drive such offences. For residents, the most immediate concern remains the 16 reported violent crimes, which, though below the UK average, underscores the need for continued community policing efforts in public spaces.

In May 2023, the crime rate in Downham Market fell to 3.0 per 1,000 residents, a 12.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.5 per 1,000. This decline positions the area as one of the safest in the UK, with a crime rate 62.5% below the national average. On a daily basis, 42 crimes reported over 31 days equate to approximately 1.35 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of criminal activity in this built-up area. Over the course of the month, the likelihood of a resident encountering a crime was roughly 1 in 329, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure in a way that reflects the area’s population size of 13,836. This level of activity is consistent with the characteristics of a small rural or semi-rural community, where social cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower crime rates. While the overall trend is positive, the increase in drug-related incidents and possession of weapons—both doubling from April—highlights areas requiring further attention.