Diss Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Diss, a built-up area within South Norfolk, reported a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents in December 2023 — 19.4% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This performance underscores the area’s generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.9% of all crimes, with 25 incidents recorded, while anti-social behaviour, at 22.8%, emerged as a significant outlier, 40% above the UK average. The seasonal context of December — characterised by dark evenings, holiday gatherings, and the Christmas shopping peak — likely contributed to patterns observed. Anti-social behaviour, for instance, may have been amplified by increased social interaction and alcohol consumption during festive events. In contrast, shoplifting and burglary rates fell, potentially due to reduced retail activity or heightened security measures during the holiday period. The overall crime mix shows a dominance of violent and anti-social crimes over property-related offences, a trend consistent with Diss’s character as a small, rural-adjacent community where social dynamics and seasonal factors play a more pronounced role than in larger urban areas. The relatively low rate of property crime, such as vehicle theft (0.1 per 1,000) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000), further supports the notion that Diss’s crime profile is shaped by localised social and environmental conditions rather than broader urban trends. These patterns suggest that community-focused interventions, such as targeted policing during holidays or initiatives to address anti-social behaviour, may be particularly effective in maintaining the area’s low crime levels.

December saw a dramatic 116.7% increase in anti-social behaviour, with incidents rising from 6 to 13. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in drug-related crimes and vehicle crime, highlights a shift in the crime mix. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by two-thirds, and burglary dropped by 50%, suggesting a seasonal reduction in theft opportunities during the holiday period. Violent crime, the most common category, remained 5% below the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000. The contrast between rising anti-social behaviour and falling property crimes may reflect changing social dynamics — for example, increased alcohol-related incidents during festive gatherings. Residents might find the 40% disparity in anti-social behaviour rates particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a localised challenge that diverges from the UK norm. The absence of significant increases in burglary or vehicle crime, despite the holiday season, could point to effective local deterrence measures or reduced foot traffic in retail areas.

Diss recorded a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents in December 2023, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous month’s 5.5 per 1,000. This slight upward trend contrasts with the area’s overall performance, which remains 19.4% below the UK average. Locally, 57 crimes were reported over 31 days, translating to roughly 2 crimes per day. This daily frequency is consistent with the area’s low population density and limited urban infrastructure. On a monthly basis, one crime occurred for every 173 residents — a figure that, while modest, reflects the persistent presence of low-level offences. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Diss’s crime profile is shaped by anti-social behaviour, which rose sharply in December. This suggests that local factors, such as seasonal gatherings or increased social interaction during the holiday period, may influence crime patterns. The comparison with the previous month underscores that while crime has risen slightly, the overall rate remains well below national benchmarks, indicating a relatively stable and safe environment for residents.