Diss Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a continuation of Diss's consistently low crime profile, with a total rate of 4.0 crimes per 1,000 residents—37.5% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure, while historically low for the built-up area within South Norfolk, reflects a balance between seasonal patterns and local characteristics. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41% of all reported incidents (16 cases), a rate of 1.6 per 1,000. This category remained 31% below the UK average, consistent with Diss's generally quiet nature during winter months when outdoor activity declines. Shoplifting followed at 15.4% (6 cases), slightly above the UK average for the category, likely linked to local retail presence despite the season. Public order offences, while a smaller share of total crimes, showed a notable 12.8% share (5 cases), 22% above the UK average—a figure that may relate to community events or winter-specific tensions in a rural setting. The area's low crime profile, particularly for property crimes (15 cases, 38.5% of total), contrasts with UK trends, where property crimes typically dominate. This divergence may stem from Diss's small population, limited commercial density, and strong community policing efforts. Seasonal context suggests a pre-spring lull in crime, though the winter months' reduced foot traffic may also contribute to lower shoplifting rates compared to other periods. The data illustrates a stable, if not improving, security environment, though residents should remain vigilant regarding public order issues as they may indicate emerging patterns.

Public order offences saw a dramatic 66.7% increase in February 2026, rising from 3 to 5 cases. This spike, while still below the UK average for the category (0.4 per 1,000), warrants attention given Diss's typically low levels of such incidents. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences decreased by 40.7% compared to the previous month (27 to 16 cases), though they remain the dominant crime type. Burglary dropped sharply by 60.0% (5 to 2 cases), aligning with the area's overall low property crime trend. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 33.3% (3 to 2 cases), reinforcing the stability of Diss's crime profile. Shoplifting remained slightly above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), suggesting that local retail areas may still be vulnerable despite the winter lull. Residents should be particularly alert to public order issues, as their rise could signal shifting patterns in community interactions or seasonal pressures. The contrast between property crime declines and public order increases highlights a nuanced picture: while fewer homes are being targeted, public spaces may require closer monitoring.

February 2026 saw Diss's crime rate drop to 4.0 per 1,000, a 33.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.0. This decline brings the area's performance further below the UK average, which stood at 6.4 per 1,000 for the same period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 253 residents—a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of community vigilance in maintaining this standard. Daily crime counts averaged 1.39 per day, a manageable figure for a small built-up area but one that residents should not dismiss as routine. When compared to the UK's broader context, Diss's performance is striking: its rate is 37.5% below the national average, a gap that reflects both its rural character and effective local policing. The population-scaled perspective reveals that each resident faces a significantly lower risk of crime than the UK average, though this does not eliminate the need for awareness. The sharp drop from 6.0 to 4.0 per 1,000 in a single month suggests that targeted interventions or seasonal factors may have contributed to the decline, though further analysis would be needed to confirm these hypotheses. For residents, the data reinforces that Diss remains one of the safest areas in the UK, but the slight rise in public order offences serves as a reminder that vigilance in community spaces is still necessary.