Babergh Crime Rate

Babergh stands out as one of the UK's safest areas, with a crime rate of 44.6 per 1,000 — 51% below the national average. This contrasts sharply with nearby urban centres like Ipswich, which has a crime rate 119% higher. The area's safety score of 88/100 reflects its low crime rates across all categories, including a 60.2% lower property crime rate than the UK average. Theft from the person has dropped by 51.7% YoY, while violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime but are still 33% below the UK average.

Babergh is a diverse area encompassing both rural landscapes and suburban communities, with a population of 97,033. Its low crime rate is likely influenced by its spread-out character, which reduces opportunities for opportunistic crime. Rural parts like Rural Babergh and Stratford St Mary, with crime rates 56% and 91% lower than the Babergh average, respectively, benefit from lower population density and limited public spaces that could foster anti-social behaviour. Suburban areas, such as Holbrook (Babergh) and Shotley Gate, show lower crime rates due to their quieter, more residential environments. The area's proximity to larger towns like Ipswich, which has an 119% higher crime rate, may also contribute to Babergh's relative safety, as urban centres naturally experience higher crime due to greater foot traffic, commercial activity, and social interactions.

The most surprising finding is that violence and sexual offences, the most common crime in Babergh (21.6 per 1,000), are still 33% below the UK average. This may reflect the area's rural-suburban mix, where incidents are less frequent but often more severe due to isolated locations. Property crime, though low (12.7 per 1,000, 60.2% below the UK average), includes vehicle crime (1.5 per 1,000, 68% below UK average), which could be attributed to the area's lower density of commercial parking and fewer high-traffic roads. Anti-social behaviour (4.2 per 1,000, 72% below UK average) is suppressed, likely due to the quieter, community-oriented nature of many Babergh suburbs. The sharp 51.7% YoY decline in theft from the person may stem from increased awareness campaigns or improved street lighting in key areas like Acton and Sproughton, where crime rates are 28% and 33% lower than the Babergh average, respectively.

Crime in Babergh has remained stable (-3.0% YoY), with notable fluctuations in specific categories. Theft from the person has declined by 51.7% YoY, likely due to improved street lighting and community awareness in areas like Acton and Sproughton, where crime rates are 28% and 33% lower than the Babergh average. Monthly trends show a peak in March 2025 (4.3 per 1,000) and a low in September 2025 (3.2 per 1,000), suggesting seasonal patterns influenced by longer evenings and increased outdoor activity during winter. Possession of weapons has risen by 20% YoY, a moderate increase that may reflect local law enforcement priorities. Overall, Babergh's stability underscores its safety, with most crime types remaining significantly below the UK average.

Compared to nearby areas, Babergh is significantly safer. Ipswich, for example, has a crime rate 119% higher than Babergh's 44.6 per 1,000, likely due to its urban density and commercial activity. Mid Suffolk, the safest nearby area, has a rate of 40.8 per 1,000 — 9% lower than Babergh's average. Colchester (90.6 per 1,000) and Tendring (87.4 per 1,000) also show much higher rates, reflecting the challenges urban and coastal areas face in managing crime. Rural Babergh, with a rate 56% lower than the Babergh average, highlights how geographic isolation can contribute to lower crime rates.

In Babergh's very safe environment, proactive security measures should focus on deterring opportunistic crimes. For instance, vehicle crime (1.5 per 1,000, 68% below UK average) can be mitigated by using scOS's DVLA vehicle registration verification, which flags stolen or cloned plates approaching your property. Similarly, scOS's AI boundary detection can help prevent theft from the person, which has dropped by 51.7% YoY but remains a concern in areas like Acton and Sproughton. Its automated lighting and speaker systems provide real-time deterrence, tailored to Babergh's low-crime context. With a safety score of 88/100, scOS offers proportionate protection without overcomplicating your home's security, ensuring Babergh's low crime rate works in your favour.

How To Keep Safe in Babergh

Given Babergh's low crime rates, focus on preventing opportunistic property crimes. For vehicle crime (1.5 per 1,000), use secure parking in well-lit areas like Acton or Sproughton, where crime rates are 28% and 33% lower than the Babergh average. For theft from the person (0.1 per 1,000, 92% below UK average), avoid carrying valuables in public spaces near high-traffic areas like Ipswich, which has an 119% higher crime rate. In residential areas like Holbrook (Babergh), where crime is 67% lower than the Babergh average, ensure doors and windows are locked even in quiet neighborhoods. Since property crime is 60.2% below the UK average, consider scOS's AI boundary detection to further reduce risks without overcomplicating security.