Chelmondiston Crime Rate

Chelmondiston is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 35.3 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting a secure environment for its 2,156 residents. The area holds an excellent safety score of 91/100, outperforming the national average of 78/100. Furthermore, Chelmondiston is experiencing a positive trend, with reported crime decreasing by 9.5% year-over-year. This downward trajectory is an encouraging sign for the community, suggesting that the local environment is becoming increasingly secure. Chelmondiston continues to offer a high standard of safety, making it one of the most reassuring places to live in the Babergh district.

Crime Breakdown in Chelmondiston

In Chelmondiston, the most prominent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 40.8% of all reported incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.5%, and public order offences at 13.2%. These figures indicate that interpersonal issues and community-level disturbances are the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains a relevant factor for the local community. Within this category, criminal damage and arson are the most common at 14.5%, followed by other theft at 10.5% and burglary at 6.6%. Vehicle crime is notably rare, accounting for only 1.3% of total crime. For residents, this means that while the risk of vehicle theft is very low, the prevalence of criminal damage and burglary suggests that maintaining visible security measures is a practical way to deter vandalism and opportunistic offences.

Crime Trends in Chelmondiston

The crime trend in Chelmondiston is currently positive, with a 9.5% decrease year-over-year. This reduction in reported incidents is a reassuring sign for the community. Monthly data from the past year shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained low throughout the year, typically ranging between 1.4 and 5.1. The highest rate was recorded in April 2025 (5.1), followed by July (4.6).

Conversely, the lowest crime rates were observed in February (1.4), May (1.4), November (1.9), and June (1.9). This pattern suggests that Chelmondiston experiences a relatively stable and low level of activity throughout the year, with minor fluctuations that do not indicate any significant surges in crime. For residents, this downward trend highlights the area's continued status as an exceptionally safe community, with a consistent and manageable volume of reported incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Chelmondiston

The most frequent crime type in Chelmondiston is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and arson. While the area is generally safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security:

1. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in quieter areas or after dark. Stick to well-lit main roads where possible.
2. If you witness or are affected by criminal damage or anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police. Consistent reporting helps authorities identify and address problem areas.
3. When out at night, try to travel with friends or use reputable local transport services to ensure you get home safely.
4. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible, and let someone know your plans if you are going out for the evening.
5. Engage with local community groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about any local safety concerns and work with your neighbours to maintain a secure environment.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Chelmondiston

Crime in Chelmondiston shows clear temporal patterns throughout the day. In the morning, theft-related offences are the most prominent, accounting for 46% of reports. This trend continues into the afternoon, with theft increasing to 47% of incidents. These daytime peaks suggest that opportunistic property crime is most likely when the area is active and residents may be away from their homes.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime changes significantly. Between 6pm and midnight, 'other' crime types—often including public order or administrative offences—spike to 55% of the total. During the night-time hours (12am to 6am), 'other' crimes remain the most common at 46%, but there is a notable increase in the relative proportions of burglary, which reaches its peak at 33%. This indicates that while the overall volume of crime may be lower at night, the risk to property through burglary becomes a more significant concern during the late-night and early-morning hours.

In the context of the Babergh district, Chelmondiston's crime rate of 35.3 per 1,000 people is higher than its immediate neighbours. Nearby settlements such as Woolverstone, Nacton, and Shotley all recorded a crime rate of 0.0, representing exceptionally low activity. Holbrook also presents a lower rate at 27.5. This positions Chelmondiston as a more active hub in the immediate vicinity. For those considering the area, it offers a safe environment by national standards, though it experiences slightly more frequent incidents than the very low-crime rural villages nearby.

Protecting Your Property in Chelmondiston

Chelmondiston's property crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 people is low compared to the UK average, but the prevalence of criminal damage and burglary suggests that residents should still prioritise home security. Traditional security measures, such as basic cameras or alarms, are often reactive. They record a crime as it happens or alert you after an intruder has already gained access. In a community like Chelmondiston, the most effective security is proactive, designed to stop incidents before they escalate into damage or loss.

The scOS AI-powered security system offers this proactive edge. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats in real-time. If a suspicious individual is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio warnings. Most opportunistic offenders will move on within 60 seconds if they realise they are being watched and challenged. For Chelmondiston residents, scOS provides the professional-grade protection needed to deter criminal damage and burglary, ensuring your home remains a secure and difficult target.