Figures show a 2.9% drop in crime in Norfolk
That's according to the Office of National Statistics
New figures from the Office of National Statistics show a 2.9% drop in crime in Norfolk.
59,456 crimes were recorded in Norfolk in the year ending December 2024, compared to 61,217 crimes in the previous 12 months.
Stalking and harassment, theft from a person, public order, violence against the person, knife crime, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, violence with and without injury and vehicle offences have also dropped in Norfolk.
The county has seen increases in drugs offences, possession of weapons, robbery, sexual offences, residential and non-residential burglary, theft, and miscellaneous crimes against society.
Norfolk continues to have the second lowest burglary rate in the country.
The largest increase is in the number of shoplifting offences, up by 26.8% compared with the previous 12 months.
Commenting on the statistics, Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “I’m pleased to see overall crime in our county continues to fall with 1,761 fewer crimes recorded over the last 12 months. This means fewer people have been the victim of crime in Norfolk – and the decline includes violent offences that I know have a long-lasting impact on people’s lives.
“Looking at longer term trends, we have recorded 10,000 fewer crimes across Norfolk over three years, and in the same period our inspectorate has rated the accuracy of our crime recording to be ‘outstanding’. We are pleased with these reductions, but always want to reduce crime further.
“We have seen increases in a few crime types and will be focusing on what the Constabulary can do to address these trends – I am acutely aware that if you have a been a victim of crime, it’s very difficult to forget how that experience made you feel.
“The 3.2% increase in sexual offences, for example, which equates to an additional 98 offences being reported in the last 12 months compared to the previous year, will feel very real to people and be of concern.
"My officers and staff are dedicated to looking after every victim, focussing on supporting them and seeking justice on their behalf. I want my officers to be curious, act and use the powers available to them to deter criminality and keep communities safe.”