North Walsham Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

North Walsham's crime rate for April 2024 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, matching the UK average exactly. This figure reflects a balanced mix of violent and property-related crimes, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 44.3% of all recorded incidents. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour followed closely, each accounting for 11.4% of reported crimes. The data aligns with seasonal patterns typical for spring, when increased outdoor activity and Easter-related foot traffic may contribute to higher visibility of certain offences. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, exceeded the UK average by 33%, suggesting local factors such as community dynamics or specific hotspots may play a role. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell 26% below the UK average, reflecting effective community policing or lower population density in key areas. The overall rate, while stable compared to the national average, highlights the need for targeted interventions in violent crime categories. April's data also shows a slight shift in crime mix, with property crimes (24 incidents) making up a smaller proportion of the total than violent crimes (39 incidents), a trend consistent with seasonal transitions when public spaces become more active. These patterns may be influenced by the area's rural-urban character, where built-up zones coexist with open landscapes, creating unique challenges for law enforcement.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in April 2024 was a 125% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from four incidents in March to nine. This surge, which outpaced all other categories, may be linked to seasonal factors such as Easter-related events or increased outdoor activity during milder spring weather. Theft from the person also saw a 100% increase, jumping from zero to one incident, a figure that, while small, could indicate heightened vulnerability in specific public spaces. Shoplifting rose by 42.9%, from seven to ten incidents, reflecting the start of the Easter shopping season. In contrast, possession of weapons fell by two-thirds, from three to one incident, and drug-related crimes decreased by 33.3%, from three to two. These declines may suggest temporary reductions in illicit activity during the Easter period. Violence and sexual offences remained high compared to the UK average, at 33% above the national rate, while anti-social behaviour was 26% below the UK average. This contrast highlights the area's unique crime profile, with violent incidents dominating over property crimes. Residents may find the 125% spike in criminal damage and arson particularly noteworthy, as it represents the largest single-category increase in the month.

North Walsham's crime rate in April 2024 rose 20.6% compared to March's 6.4 per 1,000 residents, marking the highest monthly rate since at least the previous year. This increase translates to roughly three crimes per day on average, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's built-up character within a rural district. Over the course of April, one crime was reported for every 129 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in line with similar small towns but below larger urban centres. The population context is critical: with 11,367 residents, even a 20.6% increase equates to 88 total crimes, underscoring the relatively low absolute numbers in a community of this size. This rate remains comparable to the UK average, but the shift in crime mix—from March's more property-focused profile to April's emphasis on violence and sexual offences—suggests changing patterns influenced by seasonal factors. While daily crime counts may seem low, the concentration of violent incidents in a single month raises questions about localized pressures. The comparison to the UK average also highlights that certain categories, like shoplifting and criminal damage, are high in North Walsham, indicating potential gaps in prevention strategies for these specific offences.