Wells-next-the-Sea Crime Rate

Wells-next-the-Sea’s crime profile is dominated by an unexpected spike in 'Other crime', which is 131% above the UK average. Despite a 40.9% lower overall crime rate than the UK, this category—often involving unclassified incidents—raises concerns. The area’s safety score of 87/100 (8 points above the UK average) masks this anomaly, with shoplifting surging by 500% YoY. These findings highlight the need to understand how transient tourism and local demographics contribute to this unusual trend.

Wells-next-the-Sea is a coastal village in North Norfolk, known for its picturesque seaside environment and seasonal tourism. Its compact built-up area blends residential properties with small businesses, creating a tight-knit community. The area’s reliance on tourism and limited industrial activity likely contributes to lower property crime rates. However, its proximity to popular walking trails and the presence of transient visitors may explain elevated rates of 'Other crime', which includes incidents not easily categorised as theft or violence.

The most striking finding is the 131% exceedance in 'Other crime' (4.6 vs 2.0 per 1,000), far outpacing the UK average. This category, which includes unclassified incidents, is likely influenced by the area’s transient population and seasonal influx of visitors. Meanwhile, 'Possession of weapons' (1.5 vs 0.9 per 1,000) is 71% above average, possibly linked to anti-social behaviour during peak tourist months. Conversely, 'Anti-social behaviour' is 63% below the UK average, suggesting community cohesion or effective local policing. The sharp 500% YoY increase in shoplifting (2.3 vs 7.5 per 1,000) is puzzling, given the village’s small retail footprint—this may reflect opportunistic theft during high-traffic periods like summer.

Crime in Wells-next-the-Sea has decreased by -5.4% YoY, but this masks stark subcategory shifts. Shoplifting has surged by 500% (2.3 vs 7.5 per 1,000), likely driven by seasonal tourism and transient populations. 'Other crime' has also risen 500% YoY (4.6 vs 2.0 per 1,000), though it remains the area’s most pressing concern. Conversely, anti-social behaviour has fallen by 50% YoY (5.4 vs 14.7 per 1,000), possibly due to effective local policing. The monthly trend shows a clear seasonal pattern, with crime peaking in June 2025 (6.9 per 1,000/month) and troughing in April 2025 (1.2 per 1,000/month), aligning with tourism cycles.

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

Residents should prioritise securing valuables during peak tourist seasons, when shoplifting has surged by 500% YoY. Park vehicles in well-lit areas to mitigate the 100% YoY rise in vehicle crime. For 'Other crime', scOS’s AI monitoring of property perimeters can detect suspicious activity before it escalates. Avoid leaving personal items visible in vehicles overnight, as this aligns with the 17% of vehicle crime occurring between 12am–6am. Community engagement in local initiatives may also help address the 71% exceedance in possession of weapons, which is 1.5 vs 0.9 per 1,000.

Crime in Wells-next-the-Sea follows distinct diurnal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (61% of reported thefts between 12pm–6pm), aligning with shop hours and tourist activity. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (17% of incidents between 12am–6am), likely due to parked cars in poorly lit residential areas. 'Other crime' is most prevalent in the evening (49% of incidents between 6pm–12am), possibly tied to anti-social behaviour or transient visitors. Burglary, though low overall, clusters at night (26% of incidents between 12am–6am), suggesting targeted intrusions in isolated homes.

Wells-next-the-Sea’s crime rate of 53.8 per 1,000 is 112% higher than Binham’s 25.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast may stem from Binham’s smaller population and less tourism-driven economy. Wells-next-the-Sea’s proximity to coastal tourism hubs likely increases exposure to transient populations, contributing to its higher 'Other crime' rates, while Binham’s lower density and fewer visitor attractions correlate with its safer profile.

For Wells-next-the-Sea households, scOS’s proactive boundary detection is vital given the 131% exceedance in 'Other crime' (4.6 vs 2.0 per 1,000). Its AI evaluates loitering near properties in real-time, triggering lights and speakers to deter intruders. DVLA vehicle verification also helps flag stolen or cloned plates near homes, a feature particularly relevant as vehicle crime has risen by 100% YoY. With property crime 47.1% below the UK average, scOS’s active deterrence—rather than passive recording—offers a meaningful upgrade for this tight-knit coastal community.