Monthly Crime Statistics

King's Lynn Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

King's Lynn recorded a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 in December 2023, with theft from the person surging by 150% compared to November. The area remains 25% above the UK average.

451
Total Crimes
9
Per 1,000 People
7.2
UK Average
-4.4%
vs Previous Month

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December 2023 marked a notable shift in King's Lynn's crime profile, with theft from the person surging by 150% compared to November, a finding that stands out as the most unexpected development. The built-up area recorded a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This elevated rate is driven by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 49.0% of all incidents, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the potential for empty homes during holiday periods—likely contributes to the spike in property-related crimes, including shoplifting and public order offences. While shoplifting fell by 36.5% from November, it still remained 63% above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas continue to be a focal point for criminal activity. The persistence of violent crime, despite the festive season's typically lower rates, indicates deeper systemic issues that may be exacerbated by the area's socio-economic dynamics. Public order offences, which rose by 22.9% month-on-month, could be linked to increased social gatherings and the challenges of managing crowds in a historic town centre. These patterns reflect a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and broader national trends, with King's Lynn's crime profile remaining distinct from the UK average. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing violent crime and public order issues, while also acknowledging the seasonal factors that influence criminal behaviour in this coastal town.

December 2023 saw a striking 150% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, signals a concerning shift in criminal activity. Public order offences also climbed by 22.9%, likely tied to the festive season's increased social interactions and darker evenings. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 69.2%, possibly due to heightened police presence during the Christmas period. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime category at 49.0% of total incidents, remain 68% above the UK average, a disparity that reflects the area's unique challenges. Shoplifting. from November, still exceeded the UK average by 63%, indicating persistent issues in retail areas. These findings highlight the dual nature of King's Lynn's crime profile—where some categories show improvement, others remain alarmingly high. For residents, the surge in theft from the person underscores the need for increased personal security measures during holiday shopping and events.

King's Lynn's crime rate in December 2023 stood at 9.0 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% decrease from the previous month's 9.5 per 1,000. This slight decline contrasts with the area's overall 25% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges. Daily crime activity averaged 15 incidents per day, a figure that underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 111 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places residents in a relatively high-risk environment compared to national benchmarks. The reduction from November may reflect seasonal factors, such as the end of the festive shopping period. Population context further illustrates the scale: with 49,941 residents, the 451 total crimes reported in December represent a significant proportion of the community's daily life. This comparison to the previous month and broader UK context reveals a complex picture where local conditions continue to influence crime trends despite minor fluctuations.

Crime Breakdown - December 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences2214.449%
Public order430.99.5%
Shoplifting400.88.9%
Criminal damage and arson390.88.7%
Anti-social behaviour380.88.4%
Other theft270.56%
Burglary110.22.4%
Drugs110.22.4%
Other crime60.11.3%
Theft from the person50.11.1%
Possession of weapons40.10.9%
Bicycle theft30.10.7%
Vehicle crime30.10.7%

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for King's Lynn

4,683+
Areas Covered
8.2M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in King's Lynn. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,683+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally monthly) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 16 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month