Overstrand Crime Rate

Overstrand, an urban settlement in North Norfolk with a population of 1,154, is an exceptionally safe community. The area's overall crime rate stands at a remarkably low 27.7 per 1,000 people, which is far below the UK national average of 93.1. This high level of safety is further evidenced by an elite safety score of 91/100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 78/100. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Overstrand is increasing slightly, with a 6.7% change year-over-year. For residents, these statistics describe a secure and peaceful environment where criminal activity is a rare occurrence, offering a strong sense of community safety in this coastal location.

Crime Breakdown in Overstrand

In Overstrand, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 59.4% of all reported incidents with 19 cases. Burglary is the second most significant concern at 9.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson, also at 9.4%. These statistics suggest that the majority of local police activity is related to interpersonal issues and public conduct.

Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, has an overall rate of 7.8 per 1,000 people. This is exceptionally low compared to national averages. Within this category, burglary is the most frequent at 2.6 per 1,000, while 'other theft' accounts for 6.2% of total local crime. For homeowners, this indicates that while the overall risk of break-ins is minimal, property security remains a key focus for maintaining the area's high safety standards. Ensuring that homes and outbuildings are properly secured is a practical necessity for residents in this North Norfolk coastal village.

Crime Trends in Overstrand

The crime rate in Overstrand is currently classified as increasing, with a 6.7% rise in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a generally low frequency of incidents, with several months recording rates below 1.0 per 1,000 residents. However, there were notable spikes in March and June 2025, where the rate reached 4.3 per 1,000, and August 2025, which saw a peak of 5.2. Following these spikes, the rate returned to lower levels. This pattern of intermittent spikes is typical for areas with small populations. For residents, the overall increase is minor, and the area remains exceptionally safe by national standards, with no underlying high-volume criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Overstrand

The most common crime in Overstrand is violence and sexual offences. While the overall risk is exceptionally low, maintaining personal safety and awareness is always advisable.

• Ensure your home is particularly secure at night and in the afternoon, as these are the peak times for local burglary incidents.
• When walking through the village in the evening, stick to well-lit paths and be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep vehicles locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, even in your own driveway.
• Get involved with local community safety groups to stay informed about any suspicious activity in the Overstrand area.
• Report any anti-social behaviour or public order issues to the local authorities to help them address recurring problems.

Crime Timing in Overstrand

The timing of crime in Overstrand reveals specific patterns for different types of offences. Theft-related crimes are most common during the morning (40%) and afternoon (38%), suggesting that opportunistic thieves are active when residents are likely to be away. As the day transitions into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts. Burglary risk is consistently high throughout the day but peaks significantly overnight (12am - 6am), representing 46% of incidents during this period. Burglary is also high in the afternoon (42%) and evening (41%). Vehicle crime increases at night, making up 24% of reported offences. For residents, this data highlights a clear need for daytime vigilance regarding personal property and extremely robust home and vehicle security during the hours of darkness.

In the local North Norfolk context, Overstrand is an exceptionally safe choice. It has a significantly lower crime rate (27.7) than the nearby town of Cromer (70.9). However, it is not as quiet as some immediate neighbours like Southrepps, Roughton, or Trimingham, all of which recorded zero crimes in the same period. This comparison shows that while Overstrand is a quiet residential area, it sits within a region of exceptionally high safety, remaining one of the most secure choices for residents in the area.

Home Security in Overstrand

Overstrand has an exceptionally low property crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 people. However, burglary is the second most common crime in the area, accounting for nearly 10% of all reported incidents. Data shows that these burglaries are most likely to occur at night (46%) and in the afternoon (42%), suggesting that opportunistic criminals are targeting homes throughout the day and early morning hours. Traditional security systems, which simply record footage, are often reactive and fail to prevent the intrusion itself.

For residents who want the highest level of protection, a proactive approach is necessary. An AI-powered security system like scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, using advanced intelligence to detect and deter threats before they reach your front door. The system can distinguish between your family, delivery drivers, and genuine intruders, ensuring that alerts are meaningful. More importantly, it can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audible warnings—to scare off a potential burglar within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. In a safe area like Overstrand, this proactive deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your property remains protected and your peace of mind is preserved.