North Walsham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

North Walsham's crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 places it 18.8% below the UK average of 6.4. This position as one of the safer areas nationally is notable, though it is not without its challenges. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.7% of all reported crimes. This category's rate of 2.1 per 1,000 was 9% below the UK average, suggesting that while violence remains a concern, local factors may be mitigating its prevalence. Other theft, the second most common crime, saw a rate of 0.7 per 1,000, 67% above the UK average, highlighting an area-specific trend that warrants attention. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the overall lower crime rate compared to busier periods. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting and other theft later in the month suggests that targeted efforts or environmental factors could be influencing these figures. The area's character as a relatively small, rural built-up area within North Norfolk may contribute to its lower crime rate, with community cohesion and limited urban density playing a role. Nevertheless, the data underscores the need for continued vigilance in addressing specific crime types that exceed national averages, even as the overall picture remains positive relative to the UK.

February 2026 saw dramatic shifts in North Walsham's crime profile, with shoplifting, other theft, and robbery each experiencing significant increases. Shoplifting, which had only one reported incident in January, surged to five cases—a 400% month-on-month rise. Similarly, other theft tripled from two to eight incidents, a 300% increase. Robbery also saw a 200% jump, rising from one to three cases. These spikes suggest either a shift in criminal activity patterns or potential gaps in local prevention measures. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences both declined. Anti-social behaviour fell by 28.6%, from seven to five incidents, while violence and sexual offences dropped by 17.2%, from 29 to 24 cases. This reduction in violent crime, though modest, aligns with the broader trend of North Walsham's overall rate being below the UK average. The rate of violence and sexual offences in the area was 9% below the UK average, despite the month-on-month decrease. This contrast with the significant rise in property-related crimes highlights a shift in the crime mix, with property crimes now accounting for 55.9% of all incidents compared to 44.1% for violent crimes. Residents may find the 67% increase in other theft particularly concerning, as this category's rate (0.7 per 1,000) was 67% above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. Such a disparity suggests that local conditions—whether economic, social, or environmental—may be creating unique vulnerabilities for property crime.

North Walsham's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a 23.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.2. This uptick, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in local dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly two crimes per day in February, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for consistent monitoring. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 193 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, which would be higher given North Walsham's overall position. The population context further highlights the area's relative safety: with 11,367 residents, the 59 total crimes reported represent a manageable burden compared to larger urban centres. However, the 67% increase in other theft compared to the UK average (0.4 per 1,000) suggests that while the overall rate is low, specific crime types may require targeted attention. The 23.0% month-on-month rise in the overall rate, combined with the sharp increases in shoplifting and other theft, indicates that local factors—such as seasonal transitions or temporary changes in community activity—could be influencing the data. These figures, when viewed alongside the UK average, illustrate both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of North Walsham's crime profile. While the area remains safer than the national average, the spikes in certain categories signal the need for continued analysis and, where appropriate, community-focused interventions.