Great Waldingfield Crime Rate

Great Waldingfield Crime Overview

Great Waldingfield is a safe and secure village in Suffolk, with an overall crime rate of 48.3 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a high safety score of 86/100. Although there has been a 17.6% increase in crime year-over-year, the actual number of incidents remains relatively small, and the village continues to be a low-risk environment for its residents. Property crime is particularly low at 10.4 per 1,000 residents. For those living in or moving to Great Waldingfield, the statistics indicate a peaceful community where serious crime is rare. The following breakdown provides a more detailed look at local crime types, trends, and safety patterns.

Crime Breakdown in Great Waldingfield

In Great Waldingfield, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 55.0% of all reported incidents. This is followed by public order offences at 15.0% and criminal damage and arson at 10.0%. While these figures highlight the most common types of reports, it is important to note that the actual volume of crime remains low compared to larger urban areas in Suffolk.

The property crime rate in Great Waldingfield is 10.4 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage, burglary (5.0%), and other theft (5.0%). Vehicle crime is exceptionally rare, making up only 1.7% of the total. For homeowners, the primary property-related concern is criminal damage, followed by burglary. This suggests that while residents are generally safe from high-volume theft, protecting the physical integrity of the home and outbuildings should be a priority. Proactive security measures can significantly reduce the risk of these opportunistic property crimes.

Great Waldingfield Crime Trends

The crime trend in Great Waldingfield has seen a 17.6% increase year-over-year. While this is an upward trajectory, the starting baseline was very low, meaning the village remains a safe place to live. Monthly data for 2025 shows a somewhat volatile pattern, with crime rates fluctuating between 0.8 and 6.4 per 1,000 residents.

The highest rates were recorded in December 2024, July 2025, and September 2025, all at 6.4 per 1,000. Conversely, May 2025 saw a very low rate of just 0.8. These monthly spikes are common in smaller communities where a few incidents can have a large impact on the statistics. Overall, while the trend is increasing, Great Waldingfield's crime rate remains well below the national average, and the area continues to provide a secure environment for its population.

How To Keep Safe in Great Waldingfield

The most common crime type in Great Waldingfield is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 55% of reported incidents. While these numbers are low in absolute terms, staying aware of personal safety is always recommended.

First, stay alert when walking alone at night, stick to well-lit paths, and carry a mobile phone. Second, because criminal damage is a top-three crime, ensure that your property’s exterior—including fences, gates, and outbuildings—is well-maintained and secure. Third, install motion-sensor lighting around your home to discourage loitering and opportunistic activity. Fourth, keep valuables like laptops and car keys away from windows and out of sight. Finally, participate in local community safety groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about any local issues. By taking these proactive steps and looking out for one another, residents can help Great Waldingfield remain the safe and peaceful community it is today.

Crime Timing in Great Waldingfield

Crime in Great Waldingfield follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. In the morning, 'other' crimes (including public order and criminal damage) are most common, accounting for 45% of incidents. Theft-related offences are also notable at 28%. As the day moves into the evening, 'other' crimes become even more dominant, reaching 59% of all reported incidents.

Burglary risk fluctuates significantly by time period. It is lowest in the morning (19%) and peaks at 32% during both the afternoon and the night (12am - 6am). This suggests that properties are equally vulnerable when residents are away during the day and while they are asleep at night. For homeowners, these patterns highlight the importance of consistent, 24-hour security, with a particular focus on both daytime and overnight protection.

Local Context: Nearby Areas

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Great Waldingfield sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. Its crime rate of 48.3 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of nearby Sudbury, which records 75.4. However, it is higher than Acton, which sits at 32.6. For those looking for the absolute safest nearby hamlets, Little Waldingfield and Newton both reported zero crimes. Overall, Great Waldingfield remains a very safe choice within the Babergh local authority area.

Proactive Protection for Great Waldingfield Residents

With a property crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000, Great Waldingfield is a low-risk area, but the 17.6% increase in local crime suggests that homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security cameras, such as those from Ring or Nest, are reactive. They provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which is often too late to prevent damage or loss.

For residents who want a more robust solution, scOS offers proactive AI-powered protection. Instead of just recording, scOS monitors all camera feeds simultaneously to identify potential threats at the property boundary. Because it can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers, it stops criminals before they even attempt to enter. In an area where criminal damage is one of the top three crimes, having a system that can intervene in real-time is far more effective than traditional recording devices. Proactive protection is the key to maintaining the high safety standards of Great Waldingfield.