Capel St Mary Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Capel St Mary, Babergh, reveal a crime rate of 27.5 per 1,000 residents annually, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While this indicates a relatively safer environment compared to the national average, it's crucial to understand the specific types of crime occurring and any emerging trends. Over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, Capel St Mary has demonstrated a notable decrease in crime, experiencing a -17.1% year-on-year reduction. This positive trend suggests ongoing efforts to improve community safety are proving effective, although vigilance remains essential.

Capel St Mary's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with Violence and sexual offences accounting for the largest proportion of recorded incidents (37, representing 11.7 per 1,000 residents and 42.5% of all crime). Following this, Other theft is the next most prevalent concern (12 incidents, or 3.8 per 1,000, making up 13.8% of crimes), alongside anti-social behaviour (11 incidents, 3.5 per 1,000, 12.6%). While burglary rates are relatively low compared to the UK average, with just 4 incidents recorded (1.3 per 1,000), the occurrence of other offences such as public order violations, drug-related crimes, and vehicle crime contribute to the overall crime picture. The distribution of these crimes highlights potential areas needing focused attention within the community.

The most significant observation regarding crime in Capel St Mary from January 2025 to December 2025 is the consistent downward trend. Overall crime decreased by -17.1% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in recorded incidents during March 2025 (4.7 per 1,000) and a low point in February 2025 (0.6 per 1,000). However, the overall direction points towards a safer environment, suggesting successful crime prevention initiatives or a change in community dynamics. Further analysis will be required to understand the drivers behind this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Capel St Mary

Given the prevalence of Violence and sexual offences in Capel St Mary, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or using well-lit routes. Due to the occurrence of Other theft, be mindful of your belongings in public places and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Lock your doors and windows, even when you're home, and consider installing security lighting to deter potential burglars. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly – your vigilance can help prevent crime in your neighbourhood.

Crimes in Capel St Mary demonstrate varied patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently recorded during the afternoon hours (12pm-6pm), while vehicle crimes are notably more common during the overnight period (12am-6am). The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a rise in both theft and anti-social behaviour, indicating a potential link to increased activity within the community. Understanding these patterns can help residents and local authorities better allocate resources and implement targeted preventative measures.

When comparing Capel St Mary’s crime statistics to neighbouring areas, the picture is mixed. Bentley and Mace Green both report zero recorded crimes, highlighting a significantly safer environment. However, East Bergholt exhibits a considerably higher crime rate of 42.9 per 1,000, suggesting a wide variation in safety across the surrounding region. Copdock, like Bentley and Mace Green, reports zero crimes, indicating that while Capel St Mary is safer than average, its neighbours offer varying levels of safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a recording of a burglary in progress, but they don’t prevent it from happening. Increasingly, residents are recognising the value of proactive security systems like scOS. scOS uses AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary – a person loitering, a vehicle circling – long before a break-in can occur. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, and the DVLA vehicle verification instantly identifies suspicious vehicles. By learning your family's routines and recognising deliveries, scOS only alerts you to genuine threats, delivering an element of surprise to potential intruders. The right security system isn’t just about recording crime; it’s about preventing it, and for Capel St Mary residents seeking real peace of mind, that means considering a proactive approach.