Heacham Crime Rate

Heacham maintains a high level of safety with an overall crime rate of 34.8 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7. This safe environment is reflected in its impressive safety score of 91/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. While the area has seen a slight upward trend, with crime increasing by 8.7% over the past year, the overall volume of incidents remains very low. This stability and high safety standard make Heacham a very attractive place for those prioritising safety and community. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types and identifies the specific times when different offences are most likely to occur.

In Heacham, the most frequent crime categories are violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.1% of all reports (15.7 per 1,000), followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.4% and criminal damage and arson at 11.7%. For those focused on property safety, the property crime rate is 8.6 per 1,000 residents. This includes 7 burglaries, 6 incidents of other theft, and 3 vehicle crimes. Additionally, there were 19 reports of criminal damage and arson. While the overall property crime rate is far below the UK average of 32.3, the volume of criminal damage is notable for a coastal village. Residents should be aware that property damage and anti-social behaviour are primary focuses for opportunistic crime in this area.

Heacham is currently experiencing a slight increase in crime, with total offences rising by 8.7% over the past year. Monthly data analysis shows that the crime rate was relatively stable throughout 2025. The year started with a rate of 3.0 per 1,000 in December 2024, followed by a decline. There was a notable peak in April (4.3) and June (4.1), before the rate declined again to 2.2 in November. This overall upward trend, while modest, suggests a slight increase in criminal activity in the area. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of maintaining robust security measures and remaining vigilant, as the volume of crime can vary significantly from month to month.

How To Keep Safe in Heacham

Violence and sexual offences are the highest recorded crime type in Heacham, although the overall volume remains low. To stay safe, it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Sticking to well-lit paths and letting someone know your expected arrival time are simple but effective precautions.

Criminal damage and arson are also significant concerns, accounting for over 11% of all crime. To protect your home, ensure that your property is well-lit and that any gates or fences are secure. For residents, the overall property crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 indicates that theft is a concern. To protect your home and vehicle, always ensure they are locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight. Vehicle crime is extremely rare but still happens; ensure your car is locked and no valuables are visible. Burglary is also a factor, so simple steps like using timer lights when you're away and ensuring all windows are secure can go a long way in deterring opportunistic thieves. Participating in a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help keep the community informed and safe. Given the village nature of the area, staying connected with neighbours and reporting any suspicious activity is essential for maintaining community security.

Heacham's crime data reveals distinct temporal trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 25% and 27% of all crimes respectively. This coincides with the busiest times for the village's local shops and visitors. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward 'Other' categories, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, accounting for a high 65% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where burglary surges to account for 27% of all offences, and vehicle crime peaks at 18%. These patterns suggest that while theft is a daytime issue, the risk to residential property and vehicles is highest when the streets are quietest. Understanding these trends allows residents to be more vigilant during specific high-risk periods.

Heacham sits in a notably safe pocket of the local authority district. Its crime rate of 34.8 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of nearby Hunstanton (60.2). It is very similar in profile to Dersingham, which has a rate of 28.9, and Snettisham, with a rate of 25.9. While it cannot match the zero-crime statistics of very small hamlets like Sedgeford or Ingoldisthorpe, Heacham offers a very high level of security for its size. For those looking for a safe residential environment within easy reach of larger towns, Heacham compares very favourably to its neighbours. The recent 8.7% increase in crime is a localized trend that residents should monitor when comparing Heacham to these nearby areas.

With a property crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents, property owners in Heacham should be mindful of security, especially regarding criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Many traditional systems, like DIY smart cameras, are reactive—they notify you only after someone has already stepped onto your property or tried your door handle. In Heacham, where criminal damage is a notable property concern, proactive deterrence is key. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using advanced AI to monitor your entire property boundary, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour in real-time. If an unknown person is loitering near your home or vehicle at night, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights and audible warnings. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to abandon their attempt. For Heacham homeowners, scOS provides a professional-grade layer of protection that prioritises prevention over mere recording.