Quick Facts:

• Norwich’s Crime Rate: 99 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Dangerous Areas:
  • Thorpe Hamlet: 170 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Crome: 139 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Wensum: 122 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Safest Areas:
  • Eaton: 48 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Catton Grove: 66 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Lakenham: 71 crimes per 1,000 peple.
• Most Common Crimes: Violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting.

Source: CrimeRate

Is Norwich Safe?

Since 2022, Norwich has seen a decline in its crime rate. In 2024, the overall crime rate stood at 99 crimes per 1,000 people, making it considerably safer than the UK’s major cities. It even ranks among the safest cities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, Norwich remains one of the most dangerous cities in Norfolk.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Norwich’s crime statistics, highlighting both the city’s safest and most high-risk areas. We’ll also share practical safety tips for residents and businesses.

Is Norwich A Safe Place to Live?

According to CrimeRate data, Norwich’s crime rate has been declining since 2022, making it a safer city to live and run a business now than just a few years ago. However, crime is still a concern across the city and safety precautions should always be taken.

What Are the Safest Areas in Norwich?

The safest areas in Norwich are:

• Eaton: 48 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Catton Grove: 66 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Lakenham: 71 crimes per 1,000 people.

Living and working in Eaton, Catton Grove, and Lakenham offers a blend of security, community, and convenience. These neighbourhoods provide a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier parts of the city, making them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. With lower crime rates than other areas in Norwich, residents can enjoy a greater sense of safety while going about their daily lives.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Norwich?

The most dangerous areas in Norwich are:

• Thorpe Hamlet: 170 crime per 1,000 people.
• Crome: 139 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Wensum: 122 crimes per 1,000 people.

Living and working in Thorpe Hamlet, Crome, and Wensum comes with challenges, particularly concerning crime. While these neighbourhoods have their positives, such as affordability and proximity to the city centre, they also experience higher crime rates compared to the rest of Norwich.

Issues such as violence, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and criminal damage contribute to their reputation as the city’s most dangerous areas.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Norwich?

According to CrimeRate, the top five common crimes in Norwich in 2024 were:

• Violence and sexual offences: 6,855 incidents (43 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Anti-social behaviour: 2,971 incidents (18 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Shoplifting: 2,111 incidents (13 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Criminal damage and arson: 1,593 incidents (10 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Public order: 1,348 incidents (8 crimes per 1,000 people)

Violence and sexual offences were the most common crimes reported, accounting for the majority of Norwich’s overall crime rate. However, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, criminal damage and arson, and public order were still a concern across the city.

Is Crime in Norwich Increasing?

Since 2020 crime in Norwich had been increasing, however, there’s been a positive shift in the city’s crime rate since 2022:

• 2020: 16,972 incidents (106 crimes per 1,000 people)
• 2021: 17,212 incidents (108 crimes per 1,000 people)
• 2022: 18,986 incidents (119 crimes per 1,000 peple)
• 2023: 16,776 incidents (105 crimes per 1,000 people)
• 2024: 15,870 incidents (99 crimes per 1,000 people)

Crime peaked in 2022 before declining significantly. This downward trends suggests that the Safer Norwich Strategy 2023-2026 is making a meaningful impact, contributing to a safer environment to live, work, and visit.

How to Stay Safe in Norwich

While crime in the city has declined, it’s important to continue taking proactive steps to ensure safety. Here are some practical safety tips for residents and businesses to help you stay safe in Norwich:

Tips for Residents:

• Secure Your Home: Ensure your property is well-lit and deter intruders by installing high quality locks on doors and windows.
• Invest in Security Technology: Protect your home by installing CCTV, alarm systems, and motion-sensor lights to help deter burglars.
• Protect Your Belongings: Whether at home or in public, secure valuables and keep them out of sight to minimise risk of theft.

Tips for Businesses:

• Manned Guarding: Create a secure and welcoming environment with fully licensed security guards stationed at your business premises.
• CCTV Monitoring Services: Consider 24/7 professional surveillance and real-time monitoring of your business premises to detect and respond to suspicious activity, and for added peace of mind.
• Keyholding and Alarm Response: These offer swift intervention of alarm activations on your business premises, ensuring continuous safety for employees, customers, and visitors.

Conclusion: Is Norwich Safe?

Norwich’s declining crime rate and its ranking among the safest cities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland highlight its overall safety. However, crime remains a concern in certain areas. To fully enjoy everything Norwich has to offer, it’s important to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your business.

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