Norton-on-Derwent Crime Rate

Norton-on-Derwent is one of the safest urban areas in the region, with an overall crime rate of 51.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the town an impressive safety score of 88/100—far exceeding the national average of 78. The town is also experiencing a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 18.5% year-over-year. This combination of a low baseline crime rate and a strong downward trend makes Norton-on-Derwent an exceptionally secure place to live and work. Residents can take confidence in these figures, which reflect a peaceful and well-managed community environment.

In Norton-on-Derwent, the crime profile is defined by a low volume of incidents across most categories. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 40.1% of all reports (20.7 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 20.2%, followed by shoplifting at 7.2%. These figures suggest that the majority of crime in the area is related to personal and community conduct rather than professional theft.

The overall property crime rate in Norton-on-Derwent is exceptionally low at 13.8 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary (3.4%), vehicle crime (3.0%), and shoplifting. For residents, the risk of serious property crime is minimal compared to national standards. However, the data shows that burglary and vehicle crime are most likely to occur during the night and evening. While the total number of incidents is small, homeowners should still maintain basic security precautions to protect against the opportunistic theft that can occur in even the safest areas.

Norton-on-Derwent has seen a significant decrease in crime, with a 18.5% reduction year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 shows exceptionally low rates in the beginning of the year, with January recording just 1.3 crimes per 1,000. While there was a slight increase during the spring and summer, peaking at 6.4 in May and 6.0 in July, the rates remained consistently low compared to national averages. The year ended with a downward trend, reaching 3.1 in October 2025. This suggests that the town's safety is not only high but is actively improving.

How To Keep Safe in Norton-on-Derwent

The most common crime type in Norton-on-Derwent is violence and sexual offences, though the overall numbers are low. To maintain your personal safety in the town, consider these tips:

• Stick to well-lit main roads when walking home at night, particularly between the town centre and residential areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid being distracted by your phone or wearing headphones in quieter parts of town.
• If you are out socialising, always stay with your group and ensure you have a safe plan for getting home.
• Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps the police maintain the town's high safety standards.
• Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any local safety issues and to help keep your community secure.

Norton-on-Derwent's crime data shows distinct patterns across different times of day. Morning and afternoon periods are most active for theft-related crimes, which account for 45% and 47% of incidents respectively. This suggests daytime activity is largely opportunistic or retail-based. In the evening, 'other' crimes (including public order and ASB) become the most frequent at 48%. Night-time (12am-6am) is the most critical period for property, with vehicle crime reaching 32% and burglary peaking at 23% of all offences in that window, highlighting the importance of overnight security.

When compared to surrounding areas, Norton-on-Derwent stands out for its high level of safety. Its crime rate of 51.6 per 1,000 is lower than that of its immediate neighbour, Malton, which has a rate of 59.4, and considerably lower than Swinton at 69.0. While it is busier than the tiny rural settlements of Settrington and Amotherby—both of which recorded zero crimes—Norton-on-Derwent offers a balanced environment with urban amenities and a crime profile that is among the best in North Yorkshire. It is a preferred choice for those seeking safety without sacrificing local services.

Despite its high safety score, Norton-on-Derwent still experiences property crime, with a rate of 13.8 per 1,000. For residents in such a safe area, the biggest threat is often opportunistic crime. Traditional security systems, like basic alarms or standard CCTV, are reactive; they notify you or record footage only after someone has already attempted to enter your home.

scOS offers a proactive approach that is better suited to maintaining the high safety standards of Norton-on-Derwent. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats before they reach your home. If a suspicious individual is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, effectively deterring the intruder before any harm is done. For a community where burglary and vehicle crime are most prevalent at night, scOS provides an always-on, intelligent layer of protection that ensures your home remains as safe as the town itself. Investing in proactive prevention is the most effective way to maintain long-term security.