Hadleigh Crime Rate

Hadleigh, a picturesque market town in Suffolk, is recognised for its high levels of safety and community security. The town has an overall crime rate of 46.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. With an impressive safety score of 88/100, Hadleigh is one of the more secure places to live in the region. However, recent data shows a 13.2% increase in total crime year-over-year, suggesting a need for continued vigilance. Despite this upward trend, property crime remains exceptionally low at 11.9 per 1,000, with burglary and vehicle crime being particularly rare. The following analysis explores Hadleigh's crime breakdown, timing, and local comparisons to provide a detailed safety overview for residents.

Crime in Hadleigh

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type in Hadleigh, representing 53.7% of all reports with 254 cases. Criminal damage and arson follow at 10.6%, with public order offences at 8.7%. The overall property crime rate in Hadleigh is 11.9 per 1,000 people, which is quite low compared to national averages. This category includes shoplifting (29 cases), 'other theft' (23 cases), and burglary (9 cases). For residents, these figures suggest that while personal safety and public behaviour are the primary concerns for local police, the town remains a very safe place for property owners. The low number of burglaries and vehicle crimes indicates that Hadleigh's residential areas are generally secure and well-monitored.

Crime Trends in Hadleigh

The crime trend in Hadleigh has shown an upward trajectory recently, with a 13.2% increase in total reported incidents year-over-year. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating significantly. After a relatively stable start to the year, the rate peaked at 5.1 in June 2025. This was followed by a notable drop to 2.3 in September, before rising again to 4.9 in October. These fluctuations suggest that while the town remains very safe overall, there are periods of increased activity that residents should be aware of. The overall annual increase highlights the importance of maintaining robust community safety measures to ensure Hadleigh's high safety score is preserved.

How To Keep Safe in Hadleigh

The primary crime type in Hadleigh is violence and sexual offences, making up over 53% of all reports. To maintain personal safety, residents should be mindful of their surroundings, particularly during the evening and night-time when public order offences also peak. Stick to well-lit main streets and avoid walking alone in isolated areas like local parks after dark. Given the recent increase in crime, it is also important to be vigilant against anti-social behaviour; reporting incidents early can help the local police manage emerging issues. For property, although burglary is rare, ensuring that windows and doors are securely locked and that valuables are not left visible in cars will help deter opportunistic theft. Finally, participating in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes can further strengthen the community's collective security and keep residents informed of local safety trends.

Crime Timing in Hadleigh

Crime in Hadleigh follows a clear temporal pattern, with different offences peaking at specific times. Theft-related crimes, including shoplifting, are most common during the daylight hours, making up 42% of morning crimes and 43% of afternoon crimes. This coincides with the town's retail activity. As evening approaches, the focus shifts significantly toward 'other' crimes, which include public order and anti-social behaviour; these categories account for 69% of evening incidents and 64% of night-time incidents. Burglary also sees its highest relative frequency late at night, accounting for 16% of crimes between 12am and 6am. This data suggests that while daytime concerns are largely commercial, the evening and night-time hours carry a higher risk of public disturbance and residential property crime.

Hadleigh sits as a safe residential hub within the Babergh district. When compared to the larger nearby town of Sudbury, which has a crime rate of 75.4, Hadleigh is significantly more secure. However, it does have more reported activity than the very small, quiet villages in its immediate vicinity, such as Upper Layham, Elmsett, Raydon, and Hintlesham, all of which reported zero crimes in the latest data. This comparison shows that while Hadleigh is a busier urban settlement than its rural neighbours, it remains a far safer alternative to major regional towns and cities, maintaining a crime rate that is roughly half the UK average.

With crime in Hadleigh trending upwards by 13.2%, homeowners should consider modernising their property protection. While the current burglary rate is low at 0.9 per 1,000, the best time to secure a home is before trends escalate further. Traditional security systems often rely on recording footage of an incident, which is reactive and often too late. A proactive system like scOS uses AI to monitor your property's boundary 24/7. It can distinguish between normal activity and a potential threat, such as someone loitering near your vehicle or windows. By triggering autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers, scOS deters criminals before they attempt a break-in. This preventative approach is ideal for Hadleigh, where maintaining the town's high safety score is a priority for the community.