Sexual and violence-related crimes are most commonly reported in West Norfolk, data shows

Stats show that sexual and violence-related crimes were the most commonly reported in West Norfolk towards the end of last year, writes Cara Fiore.

Notable numbers of offences have been seen within areas such as North Lynn and Downham - with a combined 382 reported crimes in December, which is the most recent month Norfolk Police has released data on.

At the start of this year, the force said that officers will be tackling vehicle and youth-related anti-social behaviour as priorities - due to increases in both.

However, in December, stats say that violent and sexual acts were the most common crimes within our area.

In North Lynn and Downham, only around 40% of reported offences were escalated into an investigation.

Contrastingly, the ‘Hunstanton and Burnham’ area and the Woottons had a lower combined 84 crimes reported - although around 50% resulted in police being unable to prosecute a suspect.

Overall, compared to the rest of the country, Norfolk is one of the lowest-rated counties for crime.

Fakenham, for instance, had very low levels of incidents reported at the end of the year.

There were 15 violence and sexual offences, seven public order offences, and a combined 12 anti-social behaviour and shoplifting crimes.

The Terrington area, on the other hand, had a higher number of offences - including 37 violence and sexual-related matters.

It also had eight criminal damage and arson incidents reported.

Watlington had 20 violence and sexual offences reported too.

The ‘Dersingham and Gayton’ patch was among those with fewer crime reports, with just six thefts recorded.

South and West Lynn was also relatively low, with 15 violence and sexual matters, seven for shoplifting, and four for anti-social behaviour.

But the Gaywood, Fairstead and Reffley area had a considerable number of crimes reported - including a signficant 80 involving violence or sexual offences.

There have been major efforts from the police to tackle issues in areas such as Downham and North Lynn recently.

Downham is a major hotspot for youth anti-social behaviour - especially in the centre of town. There have been many reports of damage in shop windows, as well as drug and electric scooter misuse.

Previously, Inspector Ben Jarvis told the Lynn News: “A lot of what we do is geared around catching people at an early age - and when I say catching people, I mean catching their attention.”

Furthermore, Lynn’s youth related anti-social behaviour is believed to have reduced due to increased patrols, education and intervention, and drug warrants.

Meanwhile, the RISE North Lynn scheme has resulted in a number of arrests, significant drug seizures, and the removal of thousands of illicit goods from the community.

Stand-out statistics for West Norfolk crime in December 2024:

North Lynn:

• 93 reported violent and sexual offences.

Downham:

• 52 reported violent and sexual offences.

Hunstanton and Burnham:

• 37 reported violent and sexual offences.

Swaffham

• 28 reported violent and sexual offences

Fakenham

• 15 reported violent and sexual offences

The Woottons:

• 4 reported violent and sexual offences.