Long Melford Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Long Melford, Suffolk, reveal a crime rate of 36.2 per 1,000 residents for the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating that Long Melford is generally safer than many areas across the country, with a safety score of 91 out of 100. However, it is essential to examine the specific types of crime occurring within the area to understand the challenges faced by the local community. While the overall crime rate is relatively low, recent trends show a decrease, which warrants closer analysis to identify the factors contributing to this positive change.

The most recent data for Long Melford, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of reported incidents, numbering 63 crimes – representing 41.2% of all recorded offences. Following this, other theft is a significant concern, with 16 crimes recorded. Shoplifting also presents a notable issue, with 13 incidents reported. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also present, each contributing 10 crimes. The prevalence of these crime types highlights potential challenges within the community, requiring further investigation into underlying factors such as economic conditions, social cohesion, and opportunities for criminal activity. A deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and prevention strategies.

The observed decrease of 33.5% in crime year-on-year is a positive development for Long Melford. This reduction is evident across several months, with particularly low crime rates recorded in October (1.7 per 1,000/month). While rates fluctuated slightly in February (4.5 per 1,000/month) and August (4.3 per 1,000/month), the overall downward trend indicates successful crime prevention initiatives or a shift in criminal behaviour. Further investigation into the factors driving this decrease is warranted to ensure the sustainability of this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Long Melford

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Long Melford, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or using well-lit routes. With shoplifting being a concern, secure your belongings and remain vigilant in public spaces. If you own a vehicle, park in well-lit areas and ensure your vehicle is locked. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek help if you feel unsafe.

Criminal activity in Long Melford appears to be influenced by the time of day and day of the week. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), while vehicle crime tends to peak overnight (12am-6am). Evening hours (6pm-12am) also see a notable increase in reported incidents, particularly those related to theft. Violence and sexual offences are more common during the evening and night, suggesting a possible correlation with social activity. Understanding these patterns can help residents and local authorities implement targeted safety measures and allocate resources effectively.

Comparing Long Melford to its neighbours, Acton exhibits a slightly lower crime rate of 31.9 per 1,000, while Glemsford sits at 31.5 per 1,000. Great Waldingfield, however, has a higher rate of 42.6 per 1,000, and Sudbury is significantly higher at 76.7 per 1,000. This variation highlights that while Long Melford is relatively safe, crime rates can differ substantially even within close proximity, underlining the importance of local safety measures.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing valuable evidence but doing little to prevent the crime itself. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. By utilising AI-powered detection at the property boundary, scOS proactively identifies and neutralises threats before they escalate. Imagine lights activating and a verbal warning broadcast – often enough to deter potential intruders. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning distinguishes between familiar faces and potential threats. This is the difference between recording a burglary and preventing one. While DIY security systems have their place, the professional-grade equipment and AI intelligence of scOS provides a level of protection that goes beyond simple notification – it actively safeguards your home in Long Melford.