Heacham Crime Rate

Heacham is a remarkably safe coastal village, characterized by a very low crime rate of 35.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the area an excellent safety score of 91/100. While the overall environment is secure, recent data indicates an 8.6% increase in crime year-over-year, suggesting that residents should remain observant. The crime profile is primarily composed of low-volume incidents, but the upward trend contrasts with the broader regional stability. This analysis explores the specific patterns of crime in Heacham from January to December 2025, providing insights into the safest times and the most common challenges facing the local community.

In Heacham, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.3% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.2% and criminal damage and arson at 12.2%. While the overall crime rate is very low, these figures indicate that social and interpersonal issues are more common than traditional property crimes.

Property crime in Heacham is notably low, with a rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents. This category includes burglary (4.3% of total crime), other theft (3.7%), and vehicle crime (1.8%). Despite the low frequency, the impact of these crimes on a small community can be significant. Residents should remain mindful of securing their homes and vehicles, as the rural and coastal nature of the area can sometimes lead to a false sense of security regarding property protection.

Heacham has experienced a notable 8.6% increase in crime over the past year. Monthly data for 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents starting at 2.4 in January and rising to a peak of 4.3 in April and 4.1 in June. This suggests that the spring and early summer months are the most active periods for crime in the village. Following this peak, the rate dipped significantly to 1.3 in October before rising again to 3.4 in December. While the overall numbers remain low due to the village's small population, the upward trend and the end-of-year spike indicate that the community should remain vigilant. The increase is a departure from the more stable trends seen in the wider local authority area.

How To Keep Safe in Heacham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Heacham. While the overall numbers are low, it is important to maintain personal safety, especially during the busier summer months when the village population increases. Always stay alert when walking in quieter areas or along the beach after dark.

To enhance your safety and protect your property, consider these tips:

1. Be mindful of home security during the afternoon and night, as these are the peak times for burglary incidents in the village.
2. Ensure vehicles are parked in well-lit areas or secure garages, particularly overnight when vehicle crime is most likely to occur.
3. Participate in local community groups or social media pages to stay updated on any recent suspicious activities reported by neighbours.
4. If you own a second home in the village, ensure it has a visible security presence to deter opportunistic crime while the property is vacant.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the police to help maintain the village's high safety standards.

Crime in Heacham follows distinct temporal patterns. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly notable for property-related offences, with 27% of the village's burglaries and 18% of vehicle crimes occurring during these early hours. However, the afternoon (12pm-6pm) is also a high-risk window for burglary, accounting for 26% of such incidents. This suggests that opportunists target homes both when residents are asleep and when they may be away from the property during the day. Theft-related crimes are most frequent in the morning and afternoon, coinciding with the opening hours of local shops and increased pedestrian activity. In contrast, the evening hours see a shift towards 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, as social activity in the village peaks. understanding these windows allows residents to be more targeted in their security habits.

Heacham sits within a cluster of high-safety villages in West Norfolk. Compared to the nearby seaside resort of Hunstanton, which has a higher crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000, Heacham is significantly quieter. However, it is slightly more active than Snettisham, which records a rate of 24.9. Nearby Sedgeford and Ingoldisthorpe both reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 during this period, representing the quietest possible environments. For those looking at the region, Heacham offers a balanced profile—busier than the smallest hamlets but notably safer than the larger local service centres.

In a low-crime area like Heacham, property crime (8.8 per 1,000) might seem like a distant concern, but the 8.6% increase in overall crime suggests a shift in local dynamics. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing evidence only after a crime has been committed. For Heacham residents, especially those with holiday homes or properties left empty during the day, a proactive approach is far more effective.

The scOS AI-powered security system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By identifying threats at the property boundary, scOS can intervene before a break-in occurs. With burglary rates in Heacham peaking during the night (27%) and afternoon (26%), the system’s ability to autonomously engage—using lights and speakers to deter intruders—is a critical advantage. This professional-grade deterrence is particularly useful for protecting vehicles, which are also a night-time risk. By choosing proactive AI detection over simple recording, you ensure that your home remains a difficult target in an evolving local landscape.