Wells-next-the-Sea Crime Rate

Wells-next-the-Sea is a safe and picturesque coastal settlement with a population of 2,605. It boasts an overall crime rate of 58.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This contributes to a high safety score of 87/100, far exceeding the UK average of 78. The area's crime trend is currently stable, showing a slight decrease of 3.2% year-over-year. This stability, combined with its low property crime rate, makes Wells-next-the-Sea an attractive and secure location for residents and visitors alike. Located within the North Norfolk local authority, the area benefits from a community-focused environment that keeps criminal activity well below national norms. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the local crime breakdown and trends.

Crime Breakdown in Wells-next-the-Sea

In Wells-next-the-Sea, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 36.4% of all incidents with a rate of 21.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.6% and criminal damage and arson at 9.9%. These figures highlight that personal safety and community conduct are the primary focus for local monitoring.

The overall property crime rate in the area is 18.4 per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 32.9. This category includes burglary (6.0%), shoplifting (4.6%), and 'other theft' (9.3%). Interestingly, vehicle crime and bicycle theft are exceptionally rare in Wells-next-the-Sea, each representing only 0.7% of total crimes. For residents, this means that while property crime is less prevalent than in many other parts of the country, burglary remains a notable component of the property-related offences that do occur. Homeowners should remain aware that although theft is relatively low, the impact of burglary and criminal damage remains a factor in the local crime landscape.

Crime Trends in Wells-next-the-Sea

The crime environment in Wells-next-the-Sea is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 3.2%. This indicates that the area's safety profile is consistent, with no significant spikes or drops in criminal activity over the long term.

Monthly trendData reveals that crime rates fluctuated between a low of 1.2 per 1,000 in April 2025 and a peak of 6.9 in June 2025. The summer months generally saw higher activity, with June, July, and August all recording rates above 5.4, likely reflecting the increased seasonal population. The beginning of 2025 also showed a moderate rise, peaking at 6.1 in February. However, the overall stability of the annual figure suggests these are typical seasonal variations for a popular coastal settlement. For residents, this predictability is a positive sign that the local safety landscape is well-managed and reliable.

How To Keep Safe in Wells-next-the-Sea

The most common crime type in Wells-next-the-Sea is violence and sexual offences, representing 36.4% of total reports. While the area is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. When enjoying the local nightlife or walking late at night, stay in well-lit areas and try to walk with friends or family whenever possible.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas to prevent opportunistic theft or public order issues.
3. If you ever feel unsafe in a public space, head toward a well-lit shop or pub and do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
4. Ensure your home is secure by checking that all windows and doors are locked, especially if the property is a holiday home or left empty for long periods.
5. Use motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your property to increase visibility and discourage anti-social behaviour or criminal damage.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Wells-next-the-Sea

Crime patterns in Wells-next-the-Sea vary significantly throughout the 24-hour cycle. The morning and afternoon periods are primarily characterised by theft, which accounts for 48% and 47% of reports respectively. This suggests that daytime activity, potentially linked to the local retail and tourism sectors, is the peak time for opportunistic theft offences.

As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' offences, which make up 57% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Burglary also maintains a steady presence during this time (22%). However, the most striking change occurs late at night (12am - 6am), where burglary reaches its peak relative frequency at 33% of all incidents. While the overall volume of crime is lower at night, the risk of property-related offences like burglary and vehicle crime is higher during these hours. This data highlights the importance of overnight home security for residents.

In the context of the North Norfolk region, Wells-next-the-Sea has a higher crime rate than some of its very small neighbouring villages. Burnham Overy Staithe, Little Walsingham, and North Creake all recorded a crime rate of 0.0, representing virtually no reported activity. Binham also maintains a lower rate at 18.9 per 1,000. However, Wells-next-the-Sea is a more significant urban hub with a larger resident and tourist population, which naturally leads to more reported incidents. Despite being higher than its immediate rural neighbours, its rate of 58.0 remains very low compared to the UK average, making it a safe regional centre.

Home Security and Proactive Protection in Wells-next-the-Sea

With a property crime rate of 18.4 per 1,000 people, Wells-next-the-Sea is statistically secure, yet burglary and criminal damage still occur. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you after someone has already approached your door or entered your property. In a coastal community like Wells, where properties may be unattended for periods, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS AI-powered security system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats before they escalate. It distinguishes between a delivery person and a suspicious loiterer, only alerting you when a real threat is detected. For homeowners, the autonomous response features—such as activating lights or speakers—can stop a burglary in its tracks. Visible, professional-grade AI protection serves as a powerful deterrent, making burglars decide to move on within seconds. Choosing scOS means investing in a system that prevents the crime, rather than one that simply provides footage of it after the fact.