Acton Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Acton, within Babergh, indicate a crime rate of 31.9 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and November 2025. This figure places it significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a heightened level of criminal activity. While there has been a notable decrease of 13.2% year-on-year, understanding the specific crime types and trends is essential for ensuring community safety. The data reveals that violence and sexual offences represent the most significant proportion of reported incidents, followed by 'Other' crimes. Examining these trends and understanding the underlying factors contributing to crime in Acton is vital for developing targeted prevention strategies and fostering a safer environment for all residents.

Acton, within Babergh, presents a complex picture regarding crime. The most prevalent crimes reported between January 2025 and November 2025 were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 60.9% of all reported incidents (28 crimes). This is followed by 'Other' crimes at 8.7% (4 crimes), and public order offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson, all equally contributing 6.5% each. While vehicle crime remains relatively low (2.2% of incidents – 1 crime), the concentration of violent crimes requires specific attention. The overall property crime rate stands at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, suggesting that while property crime isn’t the dominant concern, it still warrants consideration. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to these crime types – such as population density, local amenities, and socio-economic conditions – is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Further investigation into the nature of these 'Other' crimes is recommended to identify patterns and potential preventative measures.

Crime rates in Acton have been decreasing steadily since January 2025, culminating in a 13.2% year-on-year reduction. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in reported incidents during May 2025 (6.2 per 1,000) and a low in March 2025 (0.7 per 1,000). The November 2025 rate stands at 2.8 per 1,000. These fluctuations may be influenced by seasonal factors, specific local events, or changes in police activity. While the overall trend is positive, continued monitoring and proactive crime prevention strategies are essential to sustain this downward trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Acton

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Acton, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Thirdly, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to connect with your community and share safety information. Fourthly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Finally, ensure your home is securely locked and consider installing security lighting to deter potential burglars.

Crime patterns in Acton reveal some interesting trends. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft and vehicle crime are most prevalent, accounting for 48% and 13% of incidents respectively. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft become the dominant crime, comprising 58% of incidents. As evening descends (6pm-12am), the focus shifts, with 21% of thefts occurring during this period and vehicle crime increasing to 14%. The night hours (12am-6am) present a different picture, with vehicle crime exhibiting the highest concentration at 38% of incidents. These patterns suggest targeted interventions during specific times and locations could be effective in reducing crime.

Comparing Acton's crime rate to neighbouring areas reveals a varied picture. Great Waldingfield has a considerably higher rate of 42.6 per 1,000, while Long Melford also reports a higher rate of 36.2 per 1,000. Conversely, Little Waldingfield demonstrates a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Sudbury, a larger nearby town, exhibits a significantly higher rate of 76.7 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight Acton’s relative position within the local area and underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address specific crime concerns.

Traditional CCTV systems often simply record footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics for Acton, with its 31.9 per 1,000 annual crime rate, demonstrates the need for a more proactive approach. Systems like scOS offer a different perspective – they aim to prevent crime before it happens. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundary, instantly verifying vehicles with DVLA data and learning the patterns of your family and deliveries. When an unknown presence is detected, scOS activates lights and speakers, creating an element of surprise that often deters potential intruders. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is critical; the visible presence of professional-grade security, like scOS, makes them move on. While DIY systems have their place, the proactive, AI-powered prevention offered by scOS represents a significant step up in property protection.