Downham Market Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Downham Market's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure, representing 77 total crimes for a population of 13,836, reflects a generally low-crime environment that aligns with the character of a small built-up area within a rural region. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.4% of all reported incidents (28 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.5%, 15 cases). These rates are 29% and 23% below UK averages respectively, suggesting a combination of effective local policing and the relatively low population density of the area. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—may partly explain the higher proportion of violent and anti-social incidents compared to other months. However, the overall rate remains firmly in line with the profile of a small town where community cohesion and limited urban density contribute to lower crime levels. Property crimes, including shoplifting and criminal damage, collectively accounted for 41.5% of total incidents, though all categories remain significantly below UK averages. This data underscores the importance of maintaining local initiatives that support both community safety and the unique demographic patterns of Downham Market.

May 2025 saw a dramatic 133.3% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 3 to 7 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, may reflect seasonal shopping patterns or localized retail vulnerabilities. Concurrently, drug-related crimes doubled from 0 to 2, a 100% increase that places Downham Market 64% below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour remained stable at 15 incidents, a 6.3% decrease from April, suggesting some success in managing community tensions. The most significant drop was in criminal damage and arson, which fell by 62.5% to 6 cases—still 33% below the UK average. This decline could indicate effective community policing efforts or the natural resolution of seasonal disputes. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted, with violent offences (28 cases) slightly outpacing property crimes (21), a reversal of previous trends.

In May 2025, Downham Market recorded a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, an 8.6% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.1. This translates to roughly 2 crimes per day, or one reported crime for every 180 residents over the course of the month. While the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, the month-on-month rise suggests a temporary uptick in activity. The daily crime figure, though low, highlights that even minor fluctuations can be noticeable in a small population. For context, this means that a resident has a 1-in-180 chance of being directly involved in a reported crime during the month, a figure that underscores the relatively safe environment but also the sensitivity of local crime trends. The increase may reflect seasonal factors such as longer evenings and bank holidays, which can heighten social interactions and potential conflicts in a compact built-up area.