Babergh Crime Rate

Babergh district, located in the heart of Suffolk, is one of the safer local authority areas in the United Kingdom. It features an overall crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the UK national average of 93.1. The district's safety score stands at an impressive 89/100, significantly outperforming the UK average of 78/100. Recent statistics indicate that crime levels are stable, with only a minor 2.5% decrease year-over-year. This consistency, combined with a low property crime rate of 13.4 per 1,000, makes Babergh a highly attractive location for residents and families seeking a secure environment. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and safety advice for the Babergh area.

About Babergh

Babergh is a predominantly rural and picturesque local authority district in Suffolk, characterised by its historic market towns like Sudbury and Hadleigh, and its association with 'Constable Country'. The district's economy is largely driven by agriculture, tourism, and a range of small to medium-sized enterprises. Its demographic profile features a higher-than-average proportion of retirees and settled families, contributing to a lower population density compared to urban centres. The area's transport links, including the A12 and rail connections to London and Ipswich, facilitate a degree of commuting but do not typically generate the high transient population volumes seen in major hubs. These factors—low density, a stable residential population, and a lack of large-scale industrial zones—largely contribute to Babergh's relatively low crime rate and high safety score. The district's charm and slower pace of life make it a popular choice for those seeking a secure, community-oriented environment.

Crime in Babergh

Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant portion of crime in Babergh, representing 47.3% of all reported incidents with 2,045 cases. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.4% and anti-social behaviour at 8.8%. When examining property-related crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—the district maintains a rate of 13.4 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting (214 cases) and 'other theft' (308 cases) are the most frequent, while burglary (175 cases) and vehicle crime (148 cases) remain relatively low for a district of this size. For residents, this data indicates that while personal safety and public order are the primary focus of local authorities, the risk to property is modest compared to national averages, though consistent vigilance remains necessary to protect homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Babergh

The crime landscape in Babergh is currently characterised as stable. Over the last 12 months, the district has seen a marginal decrease in total crime of 2.5%. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a consistent pattern, with crime rates per 1,000 residents mostly hovering between 3.2 and 3.9. A slight peak was observed in March 2025, when the rate reached 4.3, followed by a minor dip to 3.2 in September. This lack of dramatic fluctuation suggests that Babergh does not suffer from significant seasonal crime spikes or rapidly emerging safety issues. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator that the district remains a consistently safe place to live, with local law enforcement and community safety initiatives successfully maintaining the area's high standards of security.

Babergh sits as a bastion of safety within the wider Suffolk and Essex border region. When compared to nearby urban centres like Ipswich and Colchester, which naturally experience higher crime volumes due to their size and density, Babergh offers a significantly more tranquil environment. Other neighbouring districts such as Mid Suffolk, Tendring, Braintree, and West Suffolk also share the region's generally low-crime profile, but Babergh’s crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 remains exceptionally competitive. For those looking for a balance between rural living and accessibility, Babergh provides a level of security that is difficult to match in more densely populated neighbouring local authorities.

In an area like Babergh, where property crime is relatively low (13.4 per 1,000), the goal of home security is often prevention and maintaining peace of mind. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they record a burglary as it happens but do little to stop it. For Babergh homeowners, a proactive approach is far more effective. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise that most burglars rely on. This level of professional-grade protection is a significant upgrade over DIY systems, ensuring that your home remains part of Babergh's safe statistics rather than becoming a data point in the next report.

How To Keep Safe in Babergh

The most common crime category in Babergh is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly half of all reports. To stay safe across the district, residents should focus on personal awareness and community vigilance. When walking in less populated areas or market towns late at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings. If you are socialising in local pubs or restaurants, plan your journey home in advance and avoid walking alone if possible. Additionally, because anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are the next most frequent offences, it is wise to report any suspicious activity or escalating local issues to the authorities early. For property owners, while the risk is low, ensuring that outbuildings and garages are securely locked is important, as these can be targets in rural districts like Babergh.