Babergh Crime Rate

About Babergh

Understanding crime statistics is essential for residents and prospective movers in Babergh. The area reports an overall crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating that Babergh is a comparatively safer place to live. The area’s safety score stands at 88/100, notably higher than the UK average of 78/100. This positive safety profile is further supported by a stable trend in crime rates over the last year, with a 2.5% decrease. This report delves into specific crime types, local trends, and comparisons with nearby areas to provide a comprehensive overview of safety in Babergh.

About Babergh

Babergh is a predominantly rural local authority district in Suffolk, characterised by its picturesque villages and market towns, including Sudbury and Hadleigh. Its low population density of 67.4 people per square kilometre (estimated based on Babergh's land area) and strong community ties likely contribute to its low overall crime rate and high safety score. The area's economy is largely agricultural, with some light industry and tourism, particularly around its historic sites and natural landscapes. While generally peaceful, the presence of transport links, such as major roads, can occasionally lead to transient crime, though this remains low compared to more urbanised regions. The demographic tends towards established families and retirees, which often correlates with lower rates of certain crime types, such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, compared to areas with younger, more transient populations or significant nightlife.

Crime Breakdown in Babergh

The most prevalent crime types in Babergh are: Violence and sexual offences (46.7% of total crime, 21.0 per 1,000 residents), Criminal damage and arson (9.3% of total crime, 4.2 per 1,000 residents), and Anti-social behaviour (8.8% of total crime, 4.0 per 1,000 residents). Violence and sexual offences consistently represent a significant portion of reported incidents, a trend often observed across various UK regions. Criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour, while concerning, are often localised issues that can be influenced by specific community dynamics.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, is a key concern for residents and homeowners. In Babergh, the property crime rate is 13.8 per 1,000 people per year, significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. These offences account for approximately 35.8% of all reported crimes. While relatively low, understanding these figures allows residents to take proactive measures to protect their homes and belongings. Burglary stands at 2.0 per 1,000, and vehicle crime at 1.6 per 1,000, suggesting that security for homes and vehicles remains important.

Crime Trends in Babergh

Over the last 12 months, Babergh has experienced a decreasing trend in its overall crime rate, with a 2.5% change year-over-year. This indicates that the area's crime situation is currently stable. Examining the monthly data provides further insight into these patterns.

Crime rates have fluctuated throughout the year. For instance, the highest rate was observed in 2025-03 at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, while the lowest was in 2025-09 at 3.2 per 1,000. These variations could be influenced by seasonal factors, local events, or specific enforcement efforts. For residents, a decreasing trend, especially if it's a decrease, is generally reassuring, suggesting that current community safety initiatives are having a positive effect. However, an increasing trend highlights the need for continued vigilance and perhaps a review of local security measures.

Comparing Babergh with Nearby Areas

Babergh benefits from its location within a generally safe region, and its crime statistics reflect this. When compared to its neighbours, Babergh maintains a strong safety profile. For example, considering nearby areas such as Ipswich, Mid Suffolk, Colchester, Tendring, Braintree, and West Suffolk, Babergh's overall crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 is often found to be competitive, if not lower. This regional context is vital for understanding local safety, as crime patterns can vary significantly even over short distances. Residents can appreciate Babergh's relative tranquility while still recognising the broader regional crime landscape.

Enhancing Your Protection in Babergh

Given Babergh's property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 residents, focusing on robust home security is a sensible approach for all residents. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively. However, modern AI-powered solutions like scOS offer proactive protection, designed to prevent crime before it even happens. By detecting threats at your property boundary, scOS intervenes in real-time, unlike DIY systems that merely notify you after the fact. This advanced approach uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, identifying genuine threats while learning your routines.

The deterrence value of professional security cannot be overstated. With scOS, features such as visible deterrence, autonomous lighting, and speaker engagement destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Most burglars make their decision within 60 seconds of approaching a property; visible, proactive security makes them move on. Investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, offering a significant advantage over basic recording devices. For true peace of mind and effective property protection in Babergh, consider security solutions that prioritise prevention over mere documentation.