Leavenheath Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Leavenheath, Babergh, reveal a concerning picture. With an annual crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, the village experiences a significantly higher crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This translates to a safety score of 92/100, placing it above the national average of 79/100. However, this figure masks a worrying trend of increasing crime, with rates rising by a substantial 16.3% year-on-year. Understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in Leavenheath and the factors contributing to this increase is crucial for developing effective safety strategies.

The crime landscape in Leavenheath is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant 56.0% of reported crimes. This category comprises 28 incidents within the data period. Other theft represents the second most prevalent crime, with 7 recorded instances. Burglary contributes 4 crimes, and other categories such as criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime, and anti-social behaviour each account for a smaller proportion, with 3 incidents apiece. Overall, property crime in Leavenheath totals 9.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure that, while concerning, is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Understanding the specific drivers behind these crime types requires consideration of the area's demographic makeup, local economic activities, and the effectiveness of preventative measures.

The increase in crime rates in Leavenheath, a 16.3% rise year-on-year, is a worrying trend. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 illustrate the volatility. The initial months of 2025 (January and February) showed relatively low crime rates, around 0.6 per 1,000 per month. However, April experienced a dramatic spike to 5.5 per 1,000, followed by fluctuations throughout the remainder of the year. Notably, October saw another increase to 4.4 per 1,000. This fluctuating pattern suggests potential seasonal factors or changes in criminal behaviour that require further investigation. The consistent upward trend overall necessitates a proactive and comprehensive approach to crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Leavenheath

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings is paramount, especially when walking alone. Consider travelling in groups or sticking to well-lit routes. Due to the risk of burglary, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when you are at home. Vehicle crime is also a factor; park in well-lit areas and consider using a steering wheel lock. Finally, be vigilant against theft and avoid displaying valuables in public. Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.

Criminal activity in Leavenheath demonstrates distinct time patterns. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), burglaries account for 15% of incidents, with theft dominating at 58%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remain high at 60%, while burglaries increase slightly to 25%. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglaries become more prevalent at 29%, with theft remaining a significant concern at 29%. However, the most concerning patterns emerge during the night (12am-6am), where burglaries constitute 32% of crimes, and vehicle crime rises to 38%, suggesting a heightened risk for residents during these hours.

Comparing Leavenheath to its neighbours, Assington, Nayland, Stoke-by-Nayland, and Boxford (Babergh), reveals a stark contrast. These areas all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents, indicating a significantly safer environment than Leavenheath. This disparity highlights the unique challenges faced by Leavenheath and the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of crime.

Traditional CCTV systems often prove reactive – recording footage after a burglary has occurred. While useful for investigation, they don’t prevent the incident itself. scOS offers a proactive approach. Its AI-powered system detects potential threats at the property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles simultaneously and instantly verifying vehicles against the DVLA database. By learning your family’s routines and recognising deliveries, scOS filters out normal activity, only alerting you to genuine threats. This element of surprise is key – most burglars decide within 60 seconds; scOS’s visible deterrence often makes them move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another, and scOS provides that level of professional-grade protection.