Babergh Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 97,033, 325 crimes in December 2023 translate to 3.4 crimes per 1,000 residents—a rate 52.8% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This places Babergh among the safer local authority districts in England. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44% of all reported crimes (143 incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (12%) and other theft (9.2%). These figures align with broader seasonal patterns, as December typically sees heightened activity in retail areas and public spaces due to Christmas shopping and festive events. The lower-than-average rate for violence (1.5 per 1,000) may reflect Babergh’s rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density could contribute to reduced interpersonal conflict. However, the 43% gap between Babergh’s violent crime rate and the UK average remains notable, particularly given the UK’s generally higher rates of such offences. The data also highlights a pronounced underrepresentation of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000, 78% below the UK average), which could indicate fewer opportunities for such crimes in a district with limited urban infrastructure. While the month’s dark evenings and empty homes during holidays may have temporarily elevated risks in certain areas, the overall trend suggests a stable, low-crime environment shaped by Babergh’s demographic and geographic profile.

December 2023 saw marked fluctuations in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons surged by 100% (from 0 to 2 incidents), a figure that, while small, warrants attention given its potential implications for public safety. Concurrently, other crime increased by 75% (4 to 7 incidents), suggesting either new types of offences emerging or heightened reporting in this category. Burglary also rose by 41.2% (17 to 24 incidents), possibly linked to seasonal factors such as homes being unoccupied during holidays. On the other hand, shoplifting plummeted by 61.1% (from 18 to 7 incidents), likely reflecting reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the Christmas period or increased security measures. Vehicle crime decreased by 15.4% (13 to 11 incidents), potentially due to fewer vehicles on the road during the holiday season or improved anti-theft technology. Babergh’s violent crime rate (1.5 per 1,000) is 43% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a gap that underscores the district’s relatively peaceful nature compared to more densely populated areas. The underrepresentation of public order offences (38% below the UK average) may also reflect Babergh’s quieter community environment, where incidents of disorder are less frequent.

Babergh’s crime rate in December 2023 (3.4 per 1,000) marked a 6.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.6 per 1,000, suggesting a slight downward trend in overall crime. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 10 crimes reported each day in December, a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the district’s population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 299 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many comparable areas. When scaled to Babergh’s population of 97,033, the 325 total crimes represent a manageable proportion of the community’s daily life, though residents should remain vigilant in areas where specific crime types—such as burglary or violence—showed increases. The comparison to the UK average further highlights Babergh’s safety profile: its overall rate is nearly half the national figure, and many individual crime categories are underrepresented. For example, anti-social behaviour in Babergh (0.3 per 1,000) is 68% below the UK average (0.9 per 1,000), a gap that may reflect the district’s rural character and lower levels of urban congestion. These figures collectively illustrate a community where crime is not only infrequent but also concentrated in specific, manageable areas.