Fakenham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Fakenham's crime rate in July 2024 was 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 27.4% below the UK average of 8.4. This rate translates to roughly one crime per 165 residents over the course of the month, a figure that may feel less abstract when considering the local context of a semi-rural built-up area. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (16 incidents, 32.7% of total), followed by shoplifting (9 incidents, 18.4%) and anti-social behaviour (7 incidents, 14.3%). These patterns align with seasonal dynamics typical of July, a peak month for tourism in North Norfolk. Festivals, outdoor events, and school holidays likely contributed to the 250% increase in public order offences and the 125% rise in shoplifting, as foot traffic and retail activity surge during the summer. While violence rates remain lower than the UK average, the sharp increase in property-related crimes highlights the need for targeted local measures. The relatively low crime rate overall suggests that Fakenham's semi-rural character and smaller population may act as natural deterrents to crime, though the spike in specific categories indicates areas for further attention. This balance between low overall rates and concentrated spikes in certain offences reflects the combination of local geography and seasonal activity.

July 2024 saw sharp increases in public order offences (+250%), criminal damage and arson (+200%), and shoplifting (+125%) in Fakenham. These jumps, particularly in shoplifting, which now stands at 1.1 per 1,000 — 62% above the UK average of 0.7 — suggest a seasonal surge in retail-related crime. This may be tied to Fakenham's role as a tourist destination during summer, with festivals and events increasing foot traffic. Conversely, violent crime rates remain 30% below the UK average, at 2.0 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, though down from previous months, still accounts for 14.3% of all crimes, a figure 38% below the UK average. The shift in crime mix towards property offences — shoplifting and public order now account for 32.7% and 14.3% respectively — contrasts with the UK's stronger focus on violent crime. For residents, the 125% rise in shoplifting underscores the importance of local retail security measures, especially during peak tourist months.

Fakenham's crime rate in July 2024 rose by 58.1% compared to June, moving from 3.8 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while still below the UK average of 8.4, reflects a shift in local patterns. Daily crime data shows an average of 2 crimes reported each day in July, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than aggregate statistics. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for roughly every 165 residents — a monthly exposure rate that, while low, highlights the impact of concentrated incidents. With a population of 8,079, this equates to a relatively small number of affected individuals, but the rise from June suggests a need to monitor trends closely. The local context of Fakenham, a semi-rural built-up area, may mean that crime is more dispersed than in densely populated regions, though the increase in public order offences and shoplifting indicates specific pressures. These figures should be viewed alongside the broader UK context, where Fakenham's overall rate remains 27.4% below the national average, but month-on-month fluctuations could reflect local seasonal dynamics.