South Norfolk Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in South Norfolk

South Norfolk presents a notable picture of safety, with an overall crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure stands significantly below the national average of 93.4 crimes per 1,000, underscoring the area's generally secure environment. The local safety score of 88 out of 100 further reinforces this, placing South Norfolk well above the UK average safety score of 78. Property crime rates here are also substantially lower, at 15.1 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, the crime trend in South Norfolk has remained stable, with a modest 4.4% change, suggesting a consistent and predictable crime landscape. These statistics provide a foundation for understanding the specific crime patterns and safety aspects within this district.

Understanding Crime in South Norfolk

South Norfolk is characterised by its predominantly rural and suburban landscape, featuring a mix of market towns, villages, and open countryside. This environment naturally contributes to a lower population density compared to more urbanised areas, which can often correlate with reduced crime rates. The district is largely residential, with local commerce and agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. While there are some transport hubs and local tourism, these do not typically lead to the transient populations or extensive nightlife often associated with higher crime figures in larger cities. The stable, close-knit communities found across South Norfolk likely play a role in maintaining its high safety score and lower crime statistics, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for local security.

Crime Type Analysis in South Norfolk

An analysis of crime types in South Norfolk reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most prevalent category, accounting for 3,109 crimes (20.9 per 1,000 residents, 42.8% of the total). Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 840 incidents (5.7 per 1,000, 11.6% of total), and Criminal damage and arson ranks third, with 648 crimes (4.4 per 1,000, 8.9% of total).

When considering overall property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, South Norfolk experiences a rate of 15.1 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the national average. Specifically, burglary stands at 1.6 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.1 per 1,000, and other theft at 3.0 per 1,000. Shoplifting, with 4.3 crimes per 1,000, is also a notable component of property crime. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while general property crime is not a dominant concern, being mindful of security measures for homes and vehicles remains a prudent approach, particularly given the presence of criminal damage and arson.

Crime Trends in South Norfolk

Over the last year, South Norfolk has maintained a stable crime trend, with a slight 4.4% increase in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. This indicates a relatively consistent crime environment without significant surges or declines. Looking at the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents, the data shows some minor fluctuations. For instance, the rate was 4.3 in October 2024, dipping to 3.8 in December 2024 before rising to 4.2 in March 2025. A peak was observed in June 2025 at 4.7, while February 2025 recorded a lower rate of 3.2, and September 2025 ended the period at 3.9. These modest variations suggest that residents can generally expect a predictable level of crime, with no clear escalating pattern that would indicate a deterioration in safety.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When placed in regional context, South Norfolk consistently demonstrates a lower crime rate compared to many of its neighbours. For example, Norwich, a larger urban centre, typically experiences higher crime figures. Similarly, Great Yarmouth often presents a different crime landscape due to its coastal and tourist characteristics. In comparison to Broadland, East Suffolk, Mid Suffolk, and Breckland, South Norfolk generally maintains a more favourable position regarding overall crime and safety. This regional comparison highlights South Norfolk as a relatively secure area within the broader East Anglian region, offering residents a reassuring level of safety when considering local living environments.

Enhancing Your Property's Protection

Given South Norfolk's relatively low property crime rate of 15.1 per 1,000, maintaining robust home security is still a crucial aspect of safeguarding your property. It is important to consider proactive measures rather than relying solely on reactive solutions that only record incidents after they have occurred. Traditional CCTV systems, for example, often provide footage of a burglary but do not prevent it.

For those seeking to truly prevent crime, advanced security operating systems like scOS offer a different approach. These systems utilise AI to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they gain entry. By watching all cameras simultaneously, scOS ensures comprehensive coverage and real-time intervention. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning allows the system to distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. The autonomous response capabilities, including activating lights and engaging speakers, destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often making them decide to move on within 60 seconds. Investing in such professional-grade equipment signals serious protection and can significantly enhance your property's security in South Norfolk.