Harleston Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Harleston's crime profile in September 2024 is defined by a sharp focus on violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 33.3% of the 21 total crimes reported. This category, with a rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents, remained 50% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, reinforcing the area's position as one of the safer built-up areas in the UK. The overall crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents was 48.1% below the UK average of 7.7, a gap that reflects both the area's historical low crime levels and the effectiveness of local policing strategies. Seasonal factors in September, including the return to school and university freshers, likely contribute to the pattern of violence and sexual offences, as increased social interactions in public spaces may create conditions for such incidents. While property crimes accounted for 33.3% of the total, the rate of 0.6 per 1,000 for criminal damage and arson was 7% above the UK average, suggesting targeted vulnerabilities in this category. The low rates of anti-social behaviour (66% below UK average) and shoplifting (71% below) further illustrate the area's distinct characteristics, with community cohesion and local engagement likely playing a role in maintaining these levels. Harleston's crime picture, while showing some seasonal fluctuations, remains fundamentally different from national trends, with its built-up area context and population size contributing to a unique crime dynamic that defies typical urban patterns.

September 2024 saw a 200% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to three incidents. This spike, alongside a similar surge in public order offences, suggests a shift in local criminal activity patterns during the month. The category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 33.3% of total crimes, remained 50% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, highlighting Harleston's continued strength in this area. Anti-social behaviour also doubled from one to two incidents, a trend that could be linked to the return of students to local institutions. The rate of vehicle crime in Harleston was 11% below the UK average, a statistic that may offer reassurance to residents concerned about car-related incidents. These fluctuations, while significant, must be viewed within the broader context of Harleston's consistently low crime profile compared to national benchmarks.

Harleston's September 2024 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents marks a 91.3% increase from August's 2.1 per 1,000, reflecting a notable shift in local patterns. This rise is most pronounced in non-violent categories, with daily crime activity averaging one reported incident per day over the month. When scaled to the population, this translates to one crime occurring for roughly every 251 residents over September, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. While the overall rate remains 48.1% below the UK average, the month-on-month surge suggests seasonal dynamics may be influencing local policing priorities. The population context further underscores that Harleston's low crime profile persists despite the September increase, with property and violent crime rates still significantly below national benchmarks for their respective categories. This contrast between the area's historical safety and the current month's volatility highlights the need for ongoing community engagement to address emerging patterns.