Leavenheath Crime Rate

Leavenheath Crime Overview

Leavenheath is an exceptionally safe urban settlement located in the Babergh local authority, with an overall crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a high safety score of 92/100. Despite its safe standing, the area has seen a 13.6% increase in crime over the last year. However, given the small population of approximately 1,811, even a minor change in the number of incidents can result in a noticeable percentage shift. Leavenheath remains a very low-crime environment compared to both regional and national benchmarks, offering a peaceful setting for its residents.

Crime Breakdown in Leavenheath

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Leavenheath, accounting for 54.0% of total incidents. This equates to a rate of 14.9 per 1,000 residents. While this percentage is high, the absolute number of crimes remains low due to the area's small population. The second most common category is 'other theft' at 14.0%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.0%.

Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.9. Burglary specifically makes up 8.0% of local crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 6.0%. For homeowners in Leavenheath, these statistics indicate a very low-risk environment, though the recent 13.6% increase in overall crime suggests that maintaining vigilance and basic security measures is increasingly important to preserve the area's safe character.

Crime Trends in Leavenheath

Leavenheath has experienced a 13.6% increase in crime over the current 12-month period. While this upward trend is worth noting, it is important to view it in the context of the area's very low overall crime volume. Small fluctuations in the number of incidents can lead to relatively large percentage changes in a population of this size.

Looking at the monthly data for 2024 and 2025, the crime rate remained very low for most of the year, often staying between 0.6 and 1.7 per 1,000 people. However, a significant spike occurred in April 2025, where the rate rose to 5.5, and another peak was seen in October 2025 at 4.4. These spikes are likely responsible for the overall YoY increase. Outside of these specific months, the area maintains a very consistent and low level of criminal activity, suggesting that the increase may be due to isolated incidents rather than a systemic decline in safety.

How To Keep Safe in Leavenheath

Violence and sexual offences are the highest reported crime type in Leavenheath. Although the total number of incidents is low, taking proactive steps can help maintain personal safety.

1. Walking Safely: When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit paths and let someone know your expected arrival time.
2. Community Awareness: Stay connected with local village groups or social media pages to stay informed about any unusual activity or safety concerns raised by neighbours.
3. Secure Your Home: Even in very safe areas, ensure that windows and doors are locked when you are away or during the night to prevent opportunistic entry.
4. Vehicle Vigilance: Don't leave valuables on display in your car, as 'other theft' is the second most common crime category in the area.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice someone acting strangely or loitering near properties, report it to the local police. Early reporting can prevent minor issues from escalating.

Leavenheath Time Patterns

Crime in Leavenheath shows distinct trends depending on the time of day. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most prominent, making up over 55% of reported activity. This suggests that opportunistic thefts are more likely when people are active and moving around the village.

As evening approaches and turns into night, the pattern shifts significantly. Burglary and vehicle crime become much more prevalent during the night-time hours (12am - 6am), accounting for 30% and 36% of incidents respectively. This indicates that while the village is very safe during the day, properties and vehicles are more vulnerable under the cover of darkness. Understanding these shifts allows residents to be more targeted with their security habits, such as ensuring all vehicles are securely locked before retiring for the evening.

Regional Context: Leavenheath

In the context of its immediate surroundings, Leavenheath is part of a remarkably low-crime cluster. Nearby areas such as Assington, Nayland, Stoke-by-Nayland, and Boxford (Babergh) all recorded zero crimes per 1,000 people in the latest data period. While Leavenheath's rate of 27.6 per 1,000 is still very low by UK standards, it is technically the most active area in this specific group of villages. This comparison highlights the exceptional safety of the South Suffolk border region, where Leavenheath serves as a slightly more populated hub within a collection of nearly crime-free settlements.

Proactive Security in Leavenheath

Leavenheath's property crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 residents is among the lowest in the country. In such a secure environment, the primary threat often comes from opportunistic individuals who target areas perceived as having lower security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide a record of an event after it has happened, which is of limited use in preventing a crime.

For residents seeking the highest level of protection, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI to monitor camera feeds simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles—even checking for fake number plates. Instead of just recording a burglary, scOS intervenes by activating deterrents like lights and audio alerts the moment a threat is detected at the property boundary. In an area like Leavenheath, where crime is rare, this proactive approach ensures that your home remains a difficult target, preserving the peace and security of the neighbourhood.