Norwich Crime Rate

Norwich is a vibrant regional city with an overall crime rate of 126.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the UK national average of 91.7, which is typical for a major commercial and administrative hub. Despite this, the city maintains a safety score of 71/100. Recent data shows that crime in Norwich has remained stable, with a slight 2.1% decrease year-over-year. The property crime rate stands at 46.6 per 1,000, which is also above the national average of 32.3, reflecting the city's significant retail and commercial activity. This report provides a detailed analysis of Norwich's crime breakdown, trends, and safety context to help residents and visitors stay informed.

About Norwich

Norwich is a historic city with a diverse range of characteristics that influence its crime statistics. As the regional capital of East Anglia, it is a major commercial, retail, and administrative hub, attracting a significant transient population for work, shopping, and tourism. The city's vibrant nightlife, particularly around the Prince of Wales Road area, is a major employer and a key driver of evening activity, which can lead to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences.

Norwich is also home to two universities, leading to a large student population that can influence crime patterns, particularly related to bicycle theft and anti-social behaviour. The city's transport hubs, including a major railway station and bus network, further contribute to the flow of people. Economically, Norwich has a mix of affluent residential areas and more deprived neighbourhoods, which can create disparities in crime rates across the district. These factors, combined with high population density in the urban core, contribute to an overall crime rate that is higher than the surrounding rural areas.

Crime Breakdown in Norwich

In Norwich, the most frequent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 35.7% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.7% and shoplifting at 13.7%. The high proportion of shoplifting reflects the city's status as a major retail destination, while anti-social behaviour is often linked to the busy city centre and nightlife areas.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, various forms of theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 46.6 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3 per 1,000. Shoplifting and criminal damage are significant contributors to this figure, representing 13.7% and 8.1% of total crime respectively. Burglary and vehicle crime are less frequent but still present, each making up around 2.5% of recorded offences. For residents and business owners, this indicates that while personal safety is a key concern, protecting property from opportunistic theft, vandalism, and shoplifting is also a major security priority in the city.

Crime Trends in Norwich

Norwich has seen a stable trend in recorded crime, with a slight 2.1% decrease over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates remained relatively consistent, with a notable peak in August at 11.3 per 1,000. Other months, such as March and May, recorded 11.0 per 1,000. The lowest rate was seen in February, with 9.5 per 1,000. This trend suggests that the city maintains a consistent level of activity throughout the year, with slight seasonal variations. For residents and business owners, this stability is a positive indicator that local crime management strategies are effectively maintaining a consistent environment.

Norwich is the urban heart of Norfolk, and its crime rate reflects this. At 126.9 per 1,000 people, it has significantly more activity than the surrounding districts of South Norfolk (48.1) and Breckland (56.9). Neighbouring Broadland, North Norfolk, Great Yarmouth, and East Suffolk all recorded much lower crime levels, often close to 0.0 in rural settlement data. This comparison highlights the concentration of crime in the city centre compared to the much quieter surrounding countryside. For those considering the region, Norwich offers all the amenities of a major city but with a higher activity level than its more rural neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 46.6 per 1,000, Norwich residents and businesses face a higher-than-average risk of opportunistic theft, shoplifting, and criminal damage. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to prevent the incident. For those seeking true security, scOS offers a proactive alternative. scOS is an AI-powered system that monitors your property's boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can escalate. It uses advanced intelligence to distinguish between residents, deliveries, and suspicious individuals. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers. In a city like Norwich, where shoplifting and opportunistic theft are significant factors, the ability to prevent a crime rather than just recording it is an essential layer of protection for both homes and commercial properties. scOS ensures that your property is protected by an intelligent system that never blinks, making it a much harder target for opportunistic criminals.

How To Keep Safe in Norwich

The most common crime in Norwich is violence and sexual offences, which is often linked to the city's busy nightlife and urban centre. To help maintain your safety and contribute to the community's security, consider these suggestions:

1. When enjoying the city's nightlife, stay with friends and use well-lit, busy routes when walking between venues or to transport hubs.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded retail areas, as opportunistic theft can occur in busy commercial spaces.
3. Ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked at all times, as property crime rates are higher in the city than in surrounding rural areas.
4. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them effectively manage and allocate resources across the city.
5. If you are a business owner, consider implementing proactive security measures to deter shoplifting and criminal damage, which are significant factors in local crime statistics.