Harleston Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Harleston’s crime profile in September 2023, accounting for nearly half of all reported incidents. At 3.8 per 1,000 residents, the area’s crime rate is 52.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a stark contrast to national trends. This marked deviation reflects a combination of local factors, including Harleston’s status as a relatively small built-up area within South Norfolk, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced crime opportunities. The top three crime categories—violence and sexual offences (45%), anti-social behaviour (25%), and public order (15%)—suggest patterns linked to seasonal transitions. With September marking the start of the school term and university freshers’ week, the data may partly explain the 45% share of violent crimes, which could be influenced by increased social activity and younger demographics in the area. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.7 per 1,000, meaning Harleston’s rate is 38% lower, though this category remains the largest contributor to local crime. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.0 per 1,000, is also significantly below the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. Public order offences, while rising sharply from one to three incidents, remain below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. These figures highlight a crime picture shaped by both seasonal rhythms and the unique character of Harleston as a small, rural-adjacent community.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in Harleston’s crime mix, with public order offences surging by 200% (from one to three incidents) and burglary doubling from zero to two cases. This contrasts with an 18.2% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 11 to nine incidents, though the category still dominates at 45% of total crimes. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 28.6% (from seven to five), suggesting a temporary reduction in disruptive activity. The burglary increase, despite remaining below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, raises questions about local security vulnerabilities, particularly in areas with limited surveillance or high-value property. Violence and sexual offences in Harleston are 38% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, indicating a safer environment for residents compared to the national profile. The sharp rise in public order offences may reflect increased foot traffic during the start of the academic year. Residents may find the 52.5% gap between Harleston’s crime rate and the UK average noteworthy, particularly as violent crimes remain the most significant category despite a downward trend.

Harleston’s crime rate in September 2023 fell to 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a 26.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend of reduced crime as the summer season wanes, though the drop is particularly pronounced in violent crimes. On a daily basis, Harleston recorded roughly one crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 264 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average, where residents face one crime for every 125 residents (based on the 8.0 per 1,000 UK rate). The population-scaled perspective underscores Harleston’s relative safety, with its low crime density reflecting the area’s small size and potential community-focused policing efforts. While the monthly aggregate shows a consistent pattern of lower crime, the month-on-month fluctuations—such as the 200% increase in public order offences—suggest that local conditions, including seasonal events, can temporarily influence crime trends. These figures provide context for residents considering Harleston’s safety profile, emphasizing that while the area is generally secure, certain categories may require targeted attention.