Norwich Crime Rate

Norwich is a vibrant regional city with an overall crime rate of 126.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. This results in a safety score of 71/100, a respectable figure for a major urban centre. For its 147,182 residents, the safety landscape has remained stable, with a slight 3.2% decrease in crime trends year-over-year. Property-related crime is a significant factor, with a rate of 46.1 per 1,000, largely driven by shoplifting in the city's extensive retail areas. The following analysis for the period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 provides a detailed look at the crime types and monthly trends that define Norwich's safety profile, helping residents and visitors stay informed.

About Norwich

Norwich is the regional capital of East Anglia, serving as a major hub for employment, retail, and tourism. As a historic cathedral city, it attracts a significant transient population of visitors and commuters, which naturally influences its crime statistics. The city's economic profile is diverse, with strong sectors in financial services, insurance, and a growing technology scene. It is also home to the University of East Anglia, contributing to a large student population.

The city's nightlife is concentrated in specific areas, such as Prince of Wales Road, which can lead to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. As a primary retail destination for the region, Norwich also experiences a higher level of shoplifting compared to more rural surrounding areas. The combination of high population density, a vibrant late-night economy, and its status as a transport hub for the region creates a complex safety profile. Understanding these urban characteristics is essential for contextualising the crime rate and safety score within the local authority district.

Crime Breakdown in Norwich

Norwich's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 6,616 reported incidents, or 35.5% of the total crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 14.8%, followed closely by shoplifting at 13.5%. These three types represent the primary focus of law enforcement within the city.

Property crime in Norwich, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and robbery, is recorded at a rate of 46.1 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is a major contributor to this figure, with 2,518 incidents. Burglary occurs at a rate of 3.3 per 1,000, while vehicle crime stands at 3.1 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while the risk of serious personal property intrusion is lower than in many other UK cities, opportunistic theft and shoplifting are more prevalent. Securing homes and vehicles remains essential, particularly in the city's more densely populated residential and commercial zones.

Norwich Crime Trends

The crime trend in Norwich is currently stable, with a slight 3.2% decrease in reported incidents year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows a very consistent pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents staying within a narrow range. The year began with a rate of 10.3 in January, with a slight dip to 9.5 in February.

The rate peaked in August at 11.3 per 1,000, which may be linked to increased visitor numbers during the summer months. For the rest of the year, the rate remained steady between 10.0 and 11.0. This lack of significant fluctuation suggests that crime in Norwich is not heavily influenced by seasonal factors or specific events, providing a predictable safety environment for the city's residents. Overall, the stable trend is a positive indicator for the city's long-term safety profile.

Norwich acts as the primary urban hub for the region, and its crime statistics reflect this. Its rate of 126.5 per 1,000 is notably higher than the surrounding local authority areas, such as Breckland (57.3) and South Norfolk (48.3). Other nearby districts, including Broadland, North Norfolk, and Great Yarmouth, recorded no crimes in the same period. This comparison highlights the typical urban-rural divide in crime data, where the city experiences more activity due to its higher population density and role as a commercial and transport centre. For those considering the region, Norwich offers city-centre living with a manageable crime footprint that is typical for its size and regional importance.

In an urban environment like Norwich, where the property crime rate is 46.1 per 1,000, homeowners should prioritise proactive protection. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive—they record a crime as it happens, but do nothing to stop it. For Norwich residents, scOS offers a more intelligent, proactive approach. By using AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a passerby on the street and a genuine threat at your door. If someone approaches your home with ill intent, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or audio warnings—before a crime is committed. This proactive intervention is essential for preventing burglary and theft. By stopping threats at the property line, scOS ensures that your home remains secure, preventing the crime from ever happening rather than just documenting it after the fact.

How To Keep Safe in Norwich

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Norwich, particularly in areas with a high concentration of nightlife. Staying aware and taking simple precautions can significantly enhance your personal safety.

1. When enjoying the city's nightlife, stay with friends and use well-lit, busy routes to get home. Avoid isolated areas like poorly lit parks or alleyways late at night.
2. Shoplifting and other theft are common in the city centre; keep your personal belongings secure and never leave bags unattended in cafes or shops.
3. If you witness or are involved in anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police to help them map and address these issues effectively.
4. For homeowners, ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked, especially if you live near the city centre or in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
5. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or community safety group to stay informed about local trends and share safety tips with your neighbours.