Chelmondiston Crime Rate

Chelmondiston is significantly safer than most parts of the UK, with a crime rate 59.7% below the national average. However, a sharp 120% YoY increase in criminal damage and arson stands out as an emerging concern. Despite this, the area's overall stability, low property crime rates, and high safety score of 91/100 reflect its character as a low-risk, commuter-oriented community.

Chelmondiston is a small built-up area within Babergh, characterised by its proximity to rural landscapes and a mix of residential and commercial properties. With a population of 2,156, it functions as a commuter hub for nearby towns, drawing a diverse demographic. Its lower population density and limited nightlife likely contribute to its below-average property crime rates. However, the presence of community events and public spaces may explain the rising incidents of public order and criminal damage, suggesting localised social dynamics influence crime patterns.

Chelmondiston's most surprising finding is the sharp 120% YoY increase in criminal damage and arson, despite remaining 23% below the UK average. This rise may be linked to seasonal factors, such as prolonged evenings in early spring (March to April 2025) or targeted vandalism during local events. Violence and sexual offences, though 27% higher YoY, remain 45% below the UK average. This could reflect the area's demographic profile, with younger residents contributing to a higher incidence of such crimes. Public order offences, up 57% YoY, may stem from increased community gatherings or local disputes. Burglary and vehicle crime rates are significantly lower than the UK average, likely due to the area's residential character and limited commercial activity.

Crime in Chelmondiston has remained stable overall (0.0% YoY), but notable shifts are emerging. Criminal damage and arson surged by 120%, likely tied to seasonal factors or localised incidents in early 2026. Public order offences rose 57% YoY, possibly due to increased community events or disputes. Violence and sexual offences increased by 26.7%, though they remain 45% below the UK average. These trends contrast with declines in burglary (-44.4% YoY) and vehicle crime (-66.7% YoY), reflecting the area's stable residential dynamics and effective policing.

How To Keep Safe in Chelmondiston

Residents should secure homes against night-time burglaries, which peak between midnight and 6am. Use motion-sensor lighting near entrances to deter intruders, as Chelmondiston's low crime rates mean most incidents are opportunistic. For public spaces, avoid leaving valuables unattended during afternoon theft spikes (48% of cases). Report suspicious behaviour linked to criminal damage and arson, which have risen sharply YoY. Community vigilance, particularly during April's peak crime months, will help sustain the area's very safe status.

Crime in Chelmondiston peaks at night, with burglary rates rising to 34% between midnight and 6am, likely due to reduced visibility and fewer witnesses. Theft incidents, though lower overall, peak in the afternoon (48% of cases), potentially tied to shopping hours or unsecured property during the day. Anti-social behaviour and other crimes are most common at night, aligning with patterns of isolation and reduced community oversight. The absence of violence and sexual offences during the day suggests these crimes are more likely to occur in private or unmonitored spaces.

Compared to Holbrook (Babergh), Chelmondiston has a 37% higher crime rate (36.6 vs 26.7 per 1,000). This difference may stem from Chelmondiston's slightly larger population and greater commercial activity, which could contribute to higher public order and criminal damage incidents. Both areas, however, remain well below the UK average, indicating similar underlying safety trends in the Babergh region.

In Chelmondiston, where property crime rates are 65.1% below the UK average, scOS offers proportionate home security tailored to the area's low-risk profile. Its AI-driven boundary detection helps prevent opportunistic burglaries, which peak at night (34% of cases). Automated lighting and speaker systems deter intruders, aligning with the area's low vehicle crime rates (90% below UK average). scOS's remote configuration ensures minimal disruption, fitting Chelmondiston's residential character and efficient police response times (13 minutes for emergencies). At £19/month, it's a cost-effective measure to maintain the area's safety without overcomplicating security.