Long Melford Crime Rate

Crime in Long Melford

Long Melford is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 38.6 per 1,000 residents. This is far lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 91/100. Compared to the UK average safety score of 78, Long Melford is one of the most secure locations in the region. The crime trend in Long Melford is exceptionally positive, with a 32.9% year-over-year decrease in total reported offences. This significant downward trajectory makes Long Melford an increasingly secure community for its residents. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the specific types of crime reported and the temporal patterns of these incidents in the local area.

Crime Breakdown in Long Melford

Long Melford's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 62 incidents, or 38.0% of all reported crime. This is followed by shoplifting (10.4%) and 'other theft' (9.2%). These three categories represent the majority of local police activity, indicating that public order and opportunistic theft are the primary concerns for the area.

The property crime rate in Long Melford is 14.9 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half the UK national average of 32.9. This category includes 8 burglaries, 14 vehicle crimes, 17 shoplifting incidents, and 15 cases of 'other theft'. For homeowners, the low burglary rate (1.9 per 1,000) is exceptionally reassuring. However, the fact that vehicle crime and shoplifting are significant contributors suggests that vehicles and commercial property are the most likely targets for opportunistic crime.

For residents, the data indicates that Long Melford is a very safe place to live, with low levels of property intrusion. However, the recent 32.9% decrease in overall crime is a very positive sign for the community. Homeowners should maintain good security practices to protect their property and assets, particularly vehicles, from the remaining risk of opportunistic offences.

Crime Trends in Long Melford

Long Melford is currently seeing a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with an impressive 32.9% year-over-year decrease in total crimes. This reduction is a very positive sign for the local community, confirming that the area is becoming even safer. Monthly data for 2025 shows consistently low levels of activity, with the crime rate peaking in November 2024 at 4.7 per 1,000 residents and hitting its lowest point in October at 1.7.

Throughout 2025, the rate has fluctuated between 1.7 and 4.5, with the spring and summer months showing slightly higher activity than the winter. However, even these 'peak' months represent a very low number of actual incidents. The most recent data from September (2.6) and October (1.7) shows that activity remains low and stable. For residents, this means that Long Melford is consistently maintaining its status as a high-safety environment with an exceptionally positive long-term trend.

How To Keep Safe in Long Melford

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Long Melford. While the overall numbers are low, maintaining personal safety and community awareness is important for keeping the area secure.

To stay safe in Long Melford, consider these practical tips:

• Stay Aware in Public Spaces: Even in very safe areas, being aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially at night, is a good habit.
• Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime peaking at night, always park in well-lit areas and never leave valuables inside your car.
• Improve Property Lighting: Motion-activated lights around your home can deter opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour in the evenings.
• Report All Concerns: Helping the police by reporting even small incidents or suspicious loitering helps maintain the overall safety of the community.
• Join Local Safety Groups: Participating in neighbourhood watch or local online community groups can help you stay informed about any rare spikes in local activity.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Long Melford

Analyzing when crime occurs in Long Melford reveals that daylight hours are the most active for theft-related offences. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft accounts for 50-55% of all reported incidents. This suggests that opportunistic thieves may be active when residents are away or during peak commercial activity.

In contrast, the timing of vehicle crime shows a very distinct pattern. While it occurs throughout the day, the highest proportional risk is at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime makes up a staggering 46% of all reports. Burglary risk is highest in the night (23%), evening (22%), and afternoon (21%). This indicates that properties are most vulnerable when residents are out during the day or asleep at night. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) also see a high proportion of 'Other' offences (33%), often relating to public order or anti-social behaviour. Overall, the risks shift from theft during the day to vehicle intrusion at night.

Nearby Area Comparison

Long Melford is a pillar of safety within the Babergh local authority. Compared to the nearby town of Sudbury, which has a crime rate of 75.4, Long Melford is nearly twice as safe. It shares a very similar safety profile with Acton (32.6), Glemsford (34.5), and Great Waldingfield (48.3). For those seeking an urban settlement with excellent security and a residential feel, Long Melford is a premier regional choice. Its significantly lower crime rate compared to the national average highlights its status as a safe haven.

Proactive Protection for Long Melford Homes

In Long Melford, where the property crime rate is a very low 14.9 per 1,000 residents, the primary goal of home security is to maintain the town's high safety standards and provide peace of mind. The fact that vehicle crime is a notable contributor (8.6% of total crime) suggests that driveways and perimeters are the most likely points of interest for opportunistic criminals.

Traditional security systems are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has already taken place. For Long Melford homeowners, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer, and if a threat is detected, it can trigger autonomous deterrents like lights or audio alerts. This stops a potential crime before it begins, ensuring your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest. In a town where crime is falling significantly, proactive AI security is the most effective way to provide total, worry-free protection.