North Walsham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

North Walsham’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure 38.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country, though the breakdown of crime types reveals a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 60.4% of all reported crimes, with 29 incidents — a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 — just 4% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 35% below the UK average, with only seven incidents reported. The area’s low crime profile may be influenced by its rural character and smaller population, which could limit opportunities for certain crimes while fostering stronger community ties. Seasonal factors also played a role, as January’s post-holiday period and shorter days likely reduced retail-related offences and outdoor crimes. Despite the overall safety, the rise in criminal damage and arson — which surged by 150% from December — suggests that some local challenges persist. This increase could reflect colder weather driving indoor activity or other unexplained factors, though no definitive link is evident in the data. The area’s crime picture remains one of relative safety, with violent crime dominating but property-related offences remaining rare. These trends highlight the need for ongoing monitoring, particularly as seasonal shifts continue to shape crime patterns throughout the year.

January 2026 saw sharp contrasts in crime trends, with criminal damage and arson surging by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents) and robbery doubling from zero to one report. These increases stand in stark contrast to the 88.9% drop in shoplifting, which fell from nine incidents in December to one in January — the largest single-month decline in the area’s recorded history. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 60.4% of all crimes, though their rate (2.6 per 1,000) was just 4% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was 35% below the UK average, with only 7 incidents reported. This divergence suggests local factors — such as the area’s small population and rural character — may temper certain crime types while leaving others, like property damage, vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations. For residents, the 88.9% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible example of how retail footfall and timing can influence crime patterns.

North Walsham’s crime rate in January 2026 fell by 44.3% compared to the previous month, dropping from 7.6 to 4.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as January’s shorter days and post-holiday retail quietude may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly two crimes reported each day in January, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 237 residents, a measure that reflects the area’s relatively low overall crime rate. With a population of 11,367, this monthly exposure highlights the rarity of incidents in a community that remains significantly safer than the UK average. The shift from December’s higher rate may also reflect broader seasonal trends, such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas and fewer social gatherings, which could contribute to the drop in crimes like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.