Diss Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 saw Diss maintain a crime rate significantly below the UK average, but specific trends warrant attention. With 36 crimes reported across the built-up area—3.7 per 1,000 residents—the local rate remains 47.9% lower than the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance reflects the area’s rural character and low population density, though winter conditions may have influenced crime patterns. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (12 incidents, 33.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (8 incidents, 22.2%) and criminal damage and arson (5 incidents, 13.9%). Violence and sexual offences in Diss are 52% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s lower population density and limited nightlife. Anti-social behaviour, however, may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor gatherings during colder months. The low rate of shoplifting (5.6% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (2.8% of total) further suggests that Diss’s smaller retail presence and lower commuter traffic contribute to its safer profile. Despite these positives, the 33.3% share of violent crimes highlights the need for ongoing community vigilance, particularly during winter months when indoor spaces become more crowded. The overall crime profile aligns with Diss’s status as a largely rural area with minimal urban pressures, though the data underscores that no location is entirely immune to crime spikes tied to seasonal or local dynamics.

February 2024 marked significant increases in anti-social behaviour, other crime, and criminal damage and arson compared to January. Anti-social behaviour surged by 166.7%, rising from 3 to 8 incidents, potentially linked to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings. Other crime also doubled, with one incident reported for the first time this year, though the specific nature of these incidents remains unclear. Criminal damage and arson increased by 66.7%, from 3 to 5 incidents, possibly reflecting seasonal factors such as frozen ground increasing the risk of property damage. These spikes contrast with declines in bicycle theft (-50.0%) and public order offences (-50.0%), which may be attributed to reduced outdoor activity during winter. Diss’s rate of bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) is 67% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, highlighting a small but significant local trend. Residents should be particularly aware of the 33.3% share of violent crimes in the area, which remains 52% below the UK average but still requires attention. The sharp rise in anti-social behaviour is a key concern, as it could indicate underlying community tensions or unaddressed local issues that require further monitoring.

February 2024’s crime rate in Diss (3.7 per 1,000) was 9.9% lower than January’s 4.1 per 1,000, marking a downward trend despite the increases in specific crime types. Over the 29 days of February, the area experienced an average of one reported crime per day, a figure that may feel more frequent to residents due to the concentrated nature of incidents. Monthly exposure data shows that one crime occurred for roughly every 274 residents over the course of the month, a rate that is 47.9% below the UK average but still significant for a small community. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Diss’s crime profile is influenced by a few high-impact incidents, such as the spike in anti-social behaviour. With 9,876 residents, the area’s low crime rate benefits from its rural setting and limited commercial activity, but the concentrated nature of incidents means that certain areas or times may see higher risks. For context, the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000 translates to one crime for every 140 residents, underscoring Diss’s relative safety. However, the 67% above-average rate for bicycle theft and the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour suggest that local factors—such as community dynamics or environmental conditions—can still drive crime spikes even in low-rate areas.