Acton Crime Rate

Acton is a secure and peaceful urban settlement in the Babergh local authority, with an overall crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 90/100. The crime trend in Acton is moving in a positive direction, with a 14.5% decrease in total incidents year-over-year. Property crime is particularly low at just 4.8 per 1,000, which is far below the national average of 32.9. These statistics confirm Acton's status as a high-safety community where residents can enjoy a secure environment with minimal risk of property-related offences.

Crime Breakdown in Acton

Acton's crime profile is heavily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 57.5% of all recorded incidents (27 crimes). This is followed by 'other crime' and anti-social behaviour, each representing 8.5% of the total. These categories make up the majority of police activity in the village.

Property crime in Acton is exceptionally low, with a rate of just 4.8 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary and 'other theft,' which account for 2.1% and 4.3% of total crimes respectively. Notably, there were zero recorded vehicle crimes in the latest data period, which is a significant indicator of the area's safety for car owners. For residents, this means that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary focus of local statistics, the risk of serious property loss or home invasion is remarkably minimal. With a safety score of 90/100, Acton is one of the more secure settlements in the region.

Crime Trends in Acton

Acton has seen a positive trend in crime over the last year, with a 14.5% decrease in total reported incidents. Monthly data shows that crime rates remain consistently low, with most months recording between 0.7 and 4.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. The peak occurred in May 2025 at 6.2, while the lowest rate was recorded in March 2025.

This trend indicates that crime in Acton is stable and well-contained. The recent decrease reinforces the area's status as one of the safer settlements in the region. For residents, this means that the risk of crime is not only low but is also currently declining, providing a high degree of confidence in local safety and security. Monitoring these monthly patterns can help residents stay aware of occasional fluctuations in activity.

How To Keep Safe in Acton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Acton, accounting for 57.5% of incidents. While the overall crime volume is low, staying aware is always beneficial. Here are some safety tips for Acton residents:

1. Maintain strong links with your neighbours; an active and connected community is the most effective deterrent against anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
2. When walking in the village during evening hours, stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, particularly near community hubs.
3. Although property crime is low, ensure all outbuildings and garages are securely locked, as these can be targets for opportunistic 'other theft'.
4. Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local Babergh police to help them maintain the area's high safety standards.
5. Use smart home technology to monitor your property boundaries, providing an extra layer of deterrence that complements the local low-crime environment.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Acton

The timing of crime in Acton shows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are at their most prominent, accounting for 55% and 61% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are more likely to occur during daylight hours when there is more activity in the village.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of recorded crime shifts. Between 6pm and midnight, 'other' offences (including violence and anti-social behaviour) make up 76% of incidents. This pattern intensifies during the night (12am-6am), where 81% of all recorded incidents fall into the 'other' category. Conversely, theft drops to its lowest point of 19% during this period. This data highlights that while the day is prone to petty theft, the night is primarily a period for community-related and personal safety offences, though the overall volume remains low.

In the local context of Babergh, Acton is one of the safer settlements. It has a significantly lower crime rate than nearby Sudbury (75.4) and is also more secure than Great Waldingfield (48.3) and Long Melford (38.6). While the very small hamlet of Little Waldingfield reported zero crimes, Acton's rate of 32.6 is exceptionally low for an area of its size. This comparison highlights Acton as a premier choice for residents seeking a safe, established community that performs far better than regional and national averages.

Acton's low property crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 and zero recorded vehicle crimes are a testament to the area's security. However, maintaining this status requires a proactive approach. Traditional security systems often rely on recording incidents as they happen, which only provides evidence after a crime has been committed.

scOS offers a modern alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to prevent crime before it reaches your door. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour and a potential threat, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter intruders. This proactive approach is particularly valuable for preserving Acton's low burglary and theft rates. Instead of just having footage of an incident, scOS aims to ensure the incident never occurs, preserving the safety and character of the Acton community. This level of protection is ideal for residents who value prevention over just recording.