Sheringham Crime Rate

Sheringham is a secure coastal town with an overall crime rate of 48.8 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in its high safety score of 88/100, indicating a peaceful environment for its 7,031 inhabitants. However, the area has seen a notable increasing trend recently, with a 16.3% rise in reported crimes year-over-year. Property crime stands at 15.8 per 1,000, which is less than half the national average of 32.9, but the upward trend suggests a need for increased vigilance. Despite the recent rise, Sheringham remains one of the safer urban settlements in the North Norfolk region, providing a high standard of security for residents and property owners.

Crime Breakdown in Sheringham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Sheringham, representing 40.5% of the total with 139 incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 16.6%, and criminal damage and arson at 11.7%. Together, these three categories account for nearly 70% of all local crime. The overall property crime rate is 15.8 per 1,000 people, which is notably low compared to the UK average of 32.9, but higher than some of the surrounding rural areas.

Burglary is a significant component of property crime here, with 25 incidents reported annually, making up 7.3% of all crime. Other theft (7.6%) and shoplifting (3.5%) also contribute to the property crime figures. For residents, this suggests that while Sheringham is generally safe, there is a persistent level of opportunistic theft and burglary that requires proactive home security measures. Vehicle crime is relatively rare, accounting for only 1.5% of reports, indicating that street-level property is generally well-respected.

Crime Trends in Sheringham

Sheringham has seen a significant 16.3% increase in crime over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with notable peaks in July (5.1 per 1,000) and November (4.8 per 1,000), coinciding with peak tourism and the lead-up to the festive period. The lowest crime rate was recorded in February at 2.4 per 1,000, suggesting a quieter winter period. However, the most recent data from October 2025 shows a rate of 4.7, indicating that activity remains higher than the previous year's average. This sustained increase across most of the year suggests a shift in the local crime landscape, highlighting the importance of robust security measures for both businesses and residents.

How To Keep Safe in Sheringham

The most prevalent crime type in Sheringham is violence and sexual offences. Ensuring personal safety and maintaining community awareness are key to keeping these figures low.

• When enjoying Sheringham's coastal paths or parks, especially during the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings.
• If visiting local pubs or restaurants, plan your journey home in advance and avoid walking alone in secluded areas late at night.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local police; early intervention can prevent these issues from escalating.
• For homeowners, ensuring that the perimeter of your property is clearly defined and well-lit can discourage opportunistic trespassing and criminal damage.
• Participate in local community safety meetings to stay updated on any specific areas of concern within the town.

Crime Time Patterns in Sheringham

Crime in Sheringham displays clear variations throughout the day. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which make up 51% and 54% of crimes respectively. This likely reflects Sheringham's active retail and tourism sector. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts toward 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 61% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall crime volume is lower, the proportion of burglary and vehicle crime peaks during these hours, with each accounting for 16% of night-time incidents. This suggests that residential and vehicle security is most vulnerable during the early morning hours when the streets are quietest.

Sheringham serves as the primary urban and commercial hub for its immediate coastal area, which explains its higher crime rate compared to its neighbours. Nearby settlements, including West Runton and Beeston Regis, Aylmerton, East Runton, and Gresham, all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people. This stark contrast highlights Sheringham's role as the central point for local activity, tourism, and retail, which naturally draws a higher volume of reported incidents than the surrounding quiet, rural villages. For those seeking a balance between urban amenities and safety, Sheringham remains an exceptionally secure choice despite being more active than its immediate neighbours.

Proactive Protection in Sheringham

Sheringham's property crime rate of 15.8 per 1,000 is low, but the 16.3% year-over-year increase in total crime is a clear signal for homeowners to evaluate their security. Traditional security often relies on reactive measures—cameras that record a burglary while it happens or alarms that sound only after a door has been breached. In an area where burglary accounts for 7.3% of all crime, waiting for an alert after the fact is a significant risk.

Implementing scOS provides a proactive alternative. By utilising AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and potential intruders before they attempt a break-in. The system’s ability to verify vehicles and recognise familiar routines ensures that it only alerts you to genuine threats. More importantly, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio deterrents, to stop a crime in its tracks. This focus on prevention rather than just recording is essential for maintaining the safety of Sheringham homes as local crime trends shift upwards.