Hethersett Crime Rate

Hethersett is a safe and growing urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of 51.2 per 1,000 people—significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This strong safety profile is reflected in its safety score of 87/100. However, the area has experienced an 18.8% increase in reported crime over the last year, a trend that warrants attention from residents and local authorities alike. While the town maintains high safety standards, it faces typical challenges such as violence and anti-social behaviour. This detailed breakdown provides insights into the types of crime occurring in Hethersett and the specific times they are most likely to happen, helping the community stay informed and proactive about local security.

In Hethersett, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.5% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime type at 13.4%, followed by shoplifting at 10.7%. These figures suggest that while the overall crime rate is low, personal safety and retail security are the main areas of focus for local authorities. Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and various types of theft, occurs at a rate of 16.1 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting and criminal damage (8.3%) are the most prevalent. For residents, this indicates that while the area is generally safe, opportunistic theft and vandalism are persistent risks. Burglary and vehicle crime each account for 2.1% of total crime. However, the data shows that burglary risk is highest during the night (15% of night-time incidents), and vehicle crime also peaks during these hours (20%), suggesting that property owners should prioritise securing their homes and cars overnight.

Hethersett has seen an 18.8% increase in crime over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows the crime rate fluctuating from a low of 2.2 in August 2025 to a peak of 6.3 in June 2025. While there are monthly variances, the overall trend has been upward compared to the previous year. Despite this increase, Hethersett remains a safe area with a high safety score, but the rising rate suggest that residents should remain aware of local safety trends and security.

How To Keep Safe in Hethersett

The most common crime in Hethersett is violence and sexual offences. While these numbers are low compared to national averages, staying safe involves personal awareness and securing your property during the night.

1. Prioritise Overnight Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime accounting for 20% of night-time incidents, always ensure your car is locked, use a steering lock, and park in a well-lit driveway.
2. Secure Home Entry Points at Night: Burglary risk is highest during the night hours. Double-check that all doors, windows, and gates are securely locked before retiring for the evening.
3. Be Vigilant in Retail Areas: Shoplifting is a significant part of local crime. Shoppers and business owners should stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour in commercial zones.
4. Enhance Perimeter Lighting: Use motion-activated lighting around your home and driveway. This is a simple but effective way to deter opportunistic thieves and anti-social behaviour.
5. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB accounts for 13% of local reports. Reporting these incidents helps the police focus their patrols on the areas where they are most needed.

Crime patterns in Hethersett show a clear transition throughout the day. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) periods are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 44% and 46% of incidents respectively. This suggests that retail and opportunistic theft are most common when the town is active. As the evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order—rise to 65% of total reports. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant shift; while overall volume is lower, property-related risks increase, with vehicle crime (20%) and burglary (15%) together accounting for over a third of all incidents during these early hours.

In the local South Norfolk context, Hethersett’s crime rate of 51.2 is very similar to that of nearby Cringleford (48.7), suggesting a consistent safety profile for these developed residential hubs. It is more active than the smaller rural villages of Little Melton and Colney, which both recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people. Compared to Barford, which has a rate of 38.9, Hethersett is slightly busier but remains a very safe choice for residents. Hethersett serves as a key residential point in the region, offering high safety levels compared to national figures.

Hethersett’s property crime rate of 16.1 per 1,000 people indicates that while the town is safe, residents should remain vigilant against opportunistic theft and vandalism. Shoplifting and criminal damage are the most frequent property-related issues, but the data shows a significant shift in risk during the night. Vehicle crime and burglary together account for 35% of incidents recorded between 12am and 6am. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are reactive—they alert you only after a window has been broken or a car door forced. For residents who want to maintain the area's high safety standards, a proactive approach is superior. An AI-powered system like scOS offers professional-grade protection by monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time. scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they reach your home or vehicle, providing autonomous responses like activating security lights or verbal warnings. This ability to deter an intruder in the critical seconds before they act is what separates reactive recording from true prevention. For Hethersett homeowners, scOS provides the advanced security needed to protect their property and vehicles effectively, day and night.