Downham Market Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

February 2025 presented a mixed but generally positive picture for crime in Downham Market, a built-up area within King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents placed it 50.7% below the UK average, a significant achievement for a small market town. This lower rate is consistent with the area’s character: a compact community with limited commercial density compared to larger urban centres, which may reduce opportunities for property crimes and theft. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.1% of all reported incidents, a figure that is 45% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, at 19.6% of total crimes, though still 28% below the national average. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours—likely contributed to the overall lower crime rate, as seen in other small towns with similar demographics. The area’s relatively low exposure to vehicle crime (73% below UK rates) may reflect the absence of major transport hubs or commuter parking lots, common in larger cities. While the rise in violence and sexual offences requires attention, the broader trend of sustained safety aligns with the area’s historical profile as a low-crime, community-focused environment. This stability is further reinforced by the minimal presence of shoplifting and theft from the person, both of which are 35% and 38% below UK averages, respectively, suggesting that local retail areas and public spaces are not major hotspots for such crimes. The data thus illustrates a town where crime remains largely contained, with the exception of a few categories that warrant closer monitoring.

February 2025 marked a 28.6% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 14 to 18 incidents—a shift that contrasts with the overall downward trend in the area. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply by 50%, with cases jumping from 6 to 9, suggesting a possible uptick in community tensions or unmet needs during the winter months. However, several categories saw significant declines, including criminal damage and arson (down 85.7%) and drugs-related crimes (down 50%), indicating potential success in targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences in Downham Market remained 45% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 150% above UK rates for 'other crime'—a category that may include less common or niche activities. For residents, the 3.3 per 1,000 crime rate offers a clear benchmark against which local safety measures can be evaluated.

February 2025 saw an 11.7% drop in Downham Market’s crime rate, falling from 3.8 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the winter lull typical of small market towns, where reduced foot traffic and colder weather may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over 28 days, reflecting a low but consistent presence of crime in the area. On a monthly scale, one reported crime occurred for every 301 residents, a figure that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when considering Downham Market’s population of 13,836, as it highlights the area’s capacity to maintain safety despite its built-up nature. The reduction in crimes like criminal damage and arson—down 85.7% from January—suggests seasonal factors may have played a role, though local policing efforts could also contribute to this trend.