Harleston Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Harleston's crime rate stood at 8.3 per 1,000 residents, a 3.8% increase above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This rate reflects a stark imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the monthly tally. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 59.1% of all reported crimes, a figure that is 81% higher than the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed at 15.9%, aligning closely with the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. The seasonal context of October—marked by darker evenings, the transition to British Summer Time, and Halloween—likely contributes to the elevated violent crime rate, as these factors can heighten social tensions and increase opportunities for crime in public spaces. Harleston, as a built-up area within South Norfolk, may experience heightened activity during such periods, though its small population size (5,276 residents) means that even modest increases in crime can have a disproportionate impact on the community. The data suggests that local dynamics, such as the timing of events or changes in public behaviour, may partly explain the sharp rise in violent offences. Meanwhile, property-related crimes like shoplifting and other theft remained below UK averages, indicating that Harleston's crime profile is distinct from larger urban centres where property crime typically dominates.

The month-on-month surge in violent crimes—specifically violence and sexual offences—jumped from 9 to 26, an 188.9% increase, dominating the crime profile. This shift skewed the balance of crime types sharply toward violent incidents, which now account for 59.1% of all reported crimes, compared to property crimes at 15.9%. Such a dramatic rise in violent offences is starkly above the UK average for this category, which stands at 2.7 per 1,000, while Harleston's rate of 4.9 per 1,000 is 81% higher. Conversely, property-related crimes like shoplifting and other theft saw notable decreases relative to UK averages, with shoplifting at 0.4 per 1,000 (31% below the UK rate of 0.6 per 1,000). Residents may find the 100% increase in other theft cases—rising from 0 to 2—particularly concerning, as it signals a new trend in criminal activity. The drop in public order offences by 33.3% (from 3 to 2) contrasts with the violent crime surge, highlighting a combination of factors affecting different crime categories.

Harleston's crime rate in October 2023 rose sharply to 8.3 per 1,000 residents, a 120.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 3.8 per 1,000. This jump places the area 3.8% above the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 120 residents, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1-in-120. This is higher than the previous month's exposure, which would have been significantly lower given the sharp decline in crime. Daily crime counts in Harleston averaged approximately one incident per day, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the concentrated nature of the reported incidents. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Harleston's small size amplifies the impact of even minor fluctuations in crime rates, making the 120.1% increase particularly stark. This contrast with the UK average underscores the need for localized analysis, as national trends may not fully capture the dynamics of smaller built-up areas.