Harleston Crime Rate

Harleston is a remarkably safe and peaceful urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of just 38.1 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 90/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a year-over-year decrease of -6.5%. Property crime is exceptionally low at 10.1 per 1,000 people, which is less than a third of the national average of 32.9. These figures reflect a community where serious criminal activity is rare and residents enjoy a very high standard of security. For the 5,276 residents of Harleston, the area represents one of the safest living environments within the South Norfolk local authority.

Harleston maintains a very low crime profile, with the top three categories being violence and sexual offences (51.2%), anti-social behaviour (12.4%), and criminal damage and arson (7.5%). While violence and sexual offences are the most recorded, the actual volume is low at 103 incidents annually. Property-related crime is also remarkably infrequent, with an overall rate of just 10.1 per 1,000 residents, which is far below the UK average. This total includes 15 cases of criminal damage and arson, 12 'other' thefts, 10 shoplifting offences, 10 burglaries, and 4 vehicle crimes. The very low rates of burglary and vehicle crime (both around 5% or less of total crime) contribute significantly to the area's high safety score, though the prevalence of violence suggests a need for continued focus on personal safety.

The crime trend in Harleston is positive, with a -6.5% decrease in total incidents over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained low for most of the year, with a significant low point in August (2.1 crimes per 1,000). While there were minor increases in March (4.2) and September (4.2), the overall trajectory has been downward. This sustained reduction in an already low-crime area is a strong indicator of effective community policing and a high level of social cohesion. For residents, this means a consistently improving safety environment and a very low risk of crime compared to previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Harleston

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Harleston, accounting for over half of all reported incidents. Maintaining personal safety and being aware of your surroundings are the best ways to preserve the town's secure environment.

• Be Aware in Public: Even in very safe areas, it is wise to stay observant of your surroundings, especially when walking alone during the evening hours.
• Secure Your Property Exterior: Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common offence, ensure your property is well-lit and that gates or fences are kept in good repair.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Active community participation is key to Harleston's safety. Report any anti-social behaviour or unusual activity to local authorities promptly.
• Protect Your Vehicle: Although vehicle crime is rare, always ensure that valuables are removed and windows are closed, especially if parking on the street overnight.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Consider basic smart home features like timer lights to make your home appear occupied when you are away, further deterring the low risk of opportunistic theft.

Crime in Harleston follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 45% of incidents in both periods. This is likely due to retail activity and the presence of visitors in the town centre. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including public order and anti-social behaviour—increasing to 50% of all recorded incidents. This trend continues into the night (12am - 6am), where 'other' crimes remain high at 37%. Notably, burglary reaches its highest proportional peak during the night, accounting for 31% of incidents, while vehicle crime also peaks at 22%, suggesting property is most at risk during the quietest hours.

In comparison to nearby areas, Harleston's crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000 people is low, although it is higher than its immediate neighbours. Needham, Wortwell, Pulham St Mary, and Alburgh Street all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. However, Harleston serves as a primary urban hub for these smaller villages, offering more commercial activity and amenities which naturally attracts a higher volume of reported incidents. Despite this, Harleston's safety profile remains very strong and far superior to many other UK towns of similar size, making it a secure choice for residents in the region.

Despite the exceptionally low crime rates in Harleston, the property crime that does occur—such as burglary or vehicle crime—can be deeply impactful. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV are reactive; they only record footage of an incident after it has happened. For Harleston residents who want to maintain their high standard of safety, a proactive solution like scOS is recommended. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time. If a potential intruder is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise and prevents the crime from ever taking place. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven in this secure community.