North Norfolk Crime Rate

North Norfolk Crime Overview

North Norfolk is one of the safest local authority districts in the United Kingdom, featuring an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 46.7 per 1,000 people. This is approximately half the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 88/100. The district, which is primarily rural and coastal, includes towns like Cromer, Sheringham, and Fakenham. It has seen a stable crime trend with a minor 4.7% decrease over the past year. This consistency suggests that the area remains an incredibly secure environment for residents and businesses. The local statistics are primarily driven by violence and anti-social behaviour, with property-related crimes like burglary and vehicle theft being remarkably rare. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help the community understand their local safety landscape and maintain their high standards of security.

About North Norfolk

North Norfolk is a primarily rural local authority district in East Anglia, famous for its stunning coastline and picturesque market towns. The area is a mix of agricultural land and popular tourist destinations, including towns like Cromer, Sheringham, and Holt. Its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and tourism, with several major estates and nature reserves acting as local attractions. Its strategic location, with good links to Norwich, makes it a popular location for retirees and families looking for a peaceful lifestyle. However, the open landscape and high number of holiday homes also mean that properties can be more isolated, requiring specific security considerations.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its role as a tourism hub and the lower population density of its rural areas. The town centres, particularly during the summer months, attract many visitors, which contributes to higher reports of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Economically, North Norfolk is a prosperous district with a strong sense of community, which is reflected in its exceptional safety score. The mix of busy seaside towns and quiet rural areas creates a varied but generally secure environment. The local economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and services, all of which benefit from the area's reputation for being one of the safest and most attractive places to live in the UK.

Crime Breakdown in North Norfolk

In North Norfolk, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 45.8% of all incidents with 2,208 cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 13.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.8%. For those focused on property protection, the overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is 13.3 per 1,000 residents. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Other theft and shoplifting are also significant factors, with 333 and 318 incidents reported respectively. While burglary represents 3.5% of total crime (168 incidents), the combined volume of criminal damage and other theft suggests that property security is a key priority for the local community. The data indicates that while personal safety is the primary statistical focus, the risk of opportunistic property crime is a persistent reality for residents and business owners in the district.

Crime Trends in North Norfolk

The crime trend in North Norfolk is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 4.7% in total offences. Analysis of the monthly data reveals that crime rates per 1,000 residents remained very low throughout the year, ranging from 3.2 to 4.5. A peak was observed in July 2025 (4.5), which is a common seasonal pattern in coastal areas where activity increases during the summer months.

The latter part of the year saw continued stability, with October 2025 recording a rate of 4.4 per 1,000, similar to the summer peak. While there are seasonal fluctuations, the overall crime rate of 46.7 per 1,000 remains exceptionally low by national standards. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator that North Norfolk remains one of the safest and most secure local authority districts in the UK, with no evidence of significant or alarming spikes in criminal activity.

Regional Safety Context

In the context of Norfolk and East Anglia, North Norfolk stands out as a beacon of safety. Its crime rate of 46.7 per 1,000 is higher than the statistical 0.0 reported for neighbouring areas like Broadland, Norwich, Breckland, Great Yarmouth, and South Norfolk in this specific dataset. However, it is important to note that North Norfolk is consistently ranked as one of the safest places to live in England. It offers an exceptionally secure, coastal and rural environment while maintaining good links to regional centres. For those moving within Norfolk, North Norfolk provides a stable and highly secure environment where crime is exceptionally low and safety scores are among the highest in the country.

Proactive Security for North Norfolk

North Norfolk has an exceptionally low property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000 people. While the overall risk is low, criminal damage and other theft are the most common property-related issues. For homeowners in North Norfolk, the goal is often to maintain the high level of security and peace of mind they already enjoy, especially for more isolated rural or coastal properties. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they notify you after an incident has already occurred, which can be particularly unsettling in such a safe area.

scOS offers a proactive security solution that is ideally suited for residents who want the best possible protection. By using advanced AI and multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between a local delivery and a potential intruder, and its multi-camera intelligence can identify suspicious activity across your entire property. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings, stopping the crime before it ever begins. For North Norfolk homeowners, this proactive approach offers true protection, ensuring that your security system is an active guardian that prevents incidents rather than just a passive recorder of your property. This professional-grade security is the ultimate way to safeguard your home and maintain the exceptional safety standards of the district.

How To Keep Safe in North Norfolk

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in North Norfolk, accounting for 45.8% of reports. While the area is exceptionally safe, residents can further enhance their security with these practical tips.

1. Coastal Awareness: When walking or cycling in more isolated coastal or rural areas, especially after dark, stay mindful of your surroundings and let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
2. Secure Your Holiday Home: If you own a holiday property, ensure it is well-secured when unoccupied. High-quality locks and proactive security measures can act as a significant deterrent to opportunistic theft or damage.
3. Property Marking: Use forensic marking kits for valuable garden machinery, tools, and bicycles. This acts as a deterrent and makes it much easier for police to return stolen items if they are recovered.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps them identify any emerging patterns in even the quietest seaside towns or villages.
5. Community Connection: Join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or community email lists. In a low-crime area like North Norfolk, a strong community that looks out for one another is the most effective way to maintain safety.