South Norfolk Crime Rate

South Norfolk is one of the safer regions in the UK, featuring a crime rate of 48.1 per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the national average of 91.7. This is reflected in its impressive safety score of 88/100, significantly outperforming the UK average of 79. The area's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 0.8% increase year-over-year, indicating a consistent and secure environment for its residents. This data, spanning from December 2024 to November 2025, highlights South Norfolk as a low-crime district characterized by peaceful residential communities and safe market towns. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the statistics to help you understand the local safety landscape.

South Norfolk is a predominantly rural and suburban district, characterised by a mix of historic market towns and rapidly growing residential villages. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its affluent demographic and its role as a 'commuter belt' for the nearby city of Norwich. Major employers in the region, particularly in sectors like food production, technology, and administration, contribute to a stable economic environment, which generally correlates with lower crime rates.

The district features significant transport hubs, including the A11 and A140 corridors, which, while vital for the economy, can occasionally facilitate transient criminal activity. The population density is relatively low compared to urban centres, but the influx of new housing developments has brought a more diverse and growing population. The nightlife is generally low-key, centred around local pubs rather than large clubs, which helps keep anti-social behaviour and public order offences lower than in neighbouring Norwich. Overall, the combination of strong community ties, economic stability, and a largely residential focus contributes to South Norfolk's high safety score of 88/100.

In South Norfolk, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 44.3% of all reports, occurring at a rate of 21.3 per 1,000 residents. While this percentage is high, the actual volume remains low relative to urban centres. Anti-social behaviour (11.0%) and criminal damage and arson (8.8%) are the next most frequent crime types, often reflecting localised neighbourhood issues rather than organised criminal activity.

Property crime in South Norfolk—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and robbery—has a combined rate of 14.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting (7.8%) and 'other theft' (6.0%) are the most common. Burglary remains a concern for residents but occurs at a relatively low rate of 1.6 per 1,000 people. For homeowners, these statistics suggest that while South Norfolk is a very safe area, opportunistic property crime still exists. The low density of the area can sometimes mean that properties are more isolated, making proactive security measures a wise investment to maintain the high standard of safety residents currently enjoy.

The crime trend in South Norfolk is currently classified as stable, with a negligible 0.8% increase in total offences over the past year. This indicates that the district has maintained its high level of safety without significant disruption. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a peak in June 2025, where the rate reached 4.7 per 1,000, while the lowest point was in February 2025 at 3.2.

The latter half of 2025 saw the rate settle between 3.6 and 4.4, suggesting a consistent pattern of activity. For residents, this stability is a positive sign that local policing and community safety measures are effective. While minor fluctuations are expected due to seasonal changes and local events, the overall picture for South Norfolk is one of enduring security and low criminal activity, reinforcing its reputation as a safe place to live and work.

South Norfolk's safety profile is particularly impressive when compared to nearby Norwich, which has a much higher crime rate of 126.9 per 1,000 people. It also compares favourably to Breckland, which recorded a rate of 56.9. Other surrounding areas such as Broadland, Great Yarmouth, East Suffolk, and Mid Suffolk all reported crime rates of 0.0 in this specific dataset, which likely stems from differences in local authority reporting boundaries or data collection windows. Despite these variations, South Norfolk clearly stands out as a highly secure choice for residents in the East of England, offering a significantly safer environment than the region's major urban centres.

While South Norfolk enjoys a low property crime rate of 14.4 per 1,000 people, the impact of theft or burglary on a household remains significant. Many residents rely on traditional security like basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras. However, these are reactive systems that only alert you once a crime has occurred or provide footage after the fact. In a safe area like South Norfolk, the goal of security should be total prevention.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter. Instead of just recording a burglar, scOS is designed to prevent the break-in from happening. By identifying unusual patterns and potential threats at the boundary, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and voice alerts. This proactive stance is especially valuable for the detached and semi-rural homes common in South Norfolk, where a visible, intelligent security presence can discourage opportunists before they even reach your door. Moving from reactive recording to autonomous prevention ensures your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest.

How To Keep Safe in South Norfolk

The most common crime type in South Norfolk is violence and sexual offences. While the overall rate is low, it remains the primary category of reported incidents. Most of these incidents are not random, but awareness is always beneficial.

To maintain your personal safety, especially in the district's market towns at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and plan your transport home in advance. If you are walking alone, keep your phone accessible but avoid being distracted by it. Sharing your route with a family member can provide an extra layer of security.

For property safety, even though burglary rates are low, ensure that outbuildings, sheds, and garages are always locked with high-quality padlocks, as these are often targeted for tools and garden equipment. In more rural parts of the district, joining a local 'Farm Watch' or 'Neighbourhood Watch' scheme can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity in your immediate area. Community vigilance is one of the most effective tools in keeping South Norfolk's crime rates among the lowest in the country.