Holt (North Norfolk) Crime Rate

Holt (North Norfolk) is a safe and secure settlement, boasting a safety score of 84/100, which is higher than the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate in Holt is 68.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is approximately 27% lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This indicates a relatively low level of criminal activity for an urban settlement of its size. The crime trend in Holt is currently stable, showing a minimal 1.9% change year-over-year, suggesting a consistent safety environment for the community. With a property crime rate of 20.0 per 1,000, Holt remains well below the national average of 32.9, making it an attractive location for those prioritising a secure living or business environment.

In Holt, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 39.6% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 19.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.4%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 20.0 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Interestingly, shoplifting and other theft make up a sizeable portion of the local crime profile, suggesting that commercial areas are a primary focus for criminal activity. For homeowners, the burglary rate is relatively low at 1.2 per 1,000, but the prevalence of criminal damage and general theft highlights the need for robust perimeter security and property protection.

The crime trend in Holt is currently stable, with a minor 1.9% increase in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data reveals some fluctuations, with a notable peak of 8.5 crimes per 1,000 people in February 2025 and another high of 8.3 in October 2025. Conversely, the summer months showed lower activity, with rates dropping to 4.0 in April, June, and July. These patterns suggest that Holt does not have a single sustained direction of change, but rather experiences seasonal or monthly variances. For residents, this stability is generally positive, indicating that the area's safety profile is not deteriorating, though the recent high in October suggests continued vigilance is necessary.

How To Keep Safe in Holt (North Norfolk)

The most common crime type in Holt is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in public or commercial spaces. Maintaining personal awareness is the best way to stay safe.

1. Be Mindful in Crowds: Holt is a popular destination; stay aware of your surroundings in busy shopping areas to prevent opportunistic theft or confrontations.
2. Stick to Lit Areas: When walking home after dark, use well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit alleys or parks.
3. Secure Your Vehicle: While vehicle crime is low, always ensure your car is locked and no valuables are left on display, especially in public car parks.
4. Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to local authorities helps them allocate resources and prevent escalation.
5. Business Security: For local shop owners, ensure your premises have visible security and that staff are trained in conflict de-escalation to mitigate the risk of shoplifting-related incidents.

Crime in Holt is heavily concentrated during daylight hours, reflecting its role as a retail and tourism destination. Theft-related offences are most prevalent in the morning (54%) and afternoon (57%), coinciding with peak shopping times. As evening sets in, the nature of crime shifts away from theft toward anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Night-time hours (12am to 6am) see a marked change in the crime profile; although overall volumes are lower, the relative percentage of burglaries (12%) and vehicle crimes (19%) increases significantly. This suggests that while personal safety and theft prevention are key during the day, property owners should focus on robust security measures overnight to protect against opportunistic burglary and vehicle-related crime.

Holt serves as a central hub in North Norfolk, and its crime rate of 68.2 per 1,000 reflects its status as a more active commercial area compared to its immediate neighbours. Nearby settlements such as High Kelling, Edgefield, Salthouse, and Weybourne all report zero crimes per 1,000 residents, highlighting the exceptionally quiet nature of the surrounding rural areas. While Holt has more reported activity than these villages, it still maintains a crime rate significantly lower than the national average. For those seeking a balance between town amenities and a safe environment, Holt compares very favourably to larger urban centres in the region.

Holt's property crime rate of 20.0 per 1,000 residents, while lower than the UK average, still necessitates effective security, particularly for commercial and residential properties. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV often fail because they are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do nothing to stop it. For true protection, Holt residents should consider the proactive approach offered by scOS. This AI-powered operating system monitors your property boundary in real-time, detecting potential threats before they can lead to a break-in. scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to distinguish between normal activity and genuine threats, and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers. By removing the element of surprise and intervening the moment a threat is identified, scOS prevents crime rather than just providing a recording of it. In an area like Holt, where theft and criminal damage are the primary property concerns, this proactive deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure.