Shotley Gate Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Shotley Gate, within Babergh, reveal a concerning trend. Between January and December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 26.8 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure contrasts significantly with the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Shotley Gate considerably below the national average in terms of crime, but the recent increase is a cause for attention. However, the crime rate has been increasing, rising by 29.4% year-on-year. Understanding the types of crimes occurring and the factors that may be contributing to these trends is crucial for developing effective safety strategies and supporting the local community.

Shotley Gate recorded 17 instances of violence and sexual offences, representing 38.6% of all reported crimes in the area between January and December 2025. Criminal damage and arson accounted for 9 incidents (20.4%), followed by anti-social behaviour with 8 reported cases (18.2%). Other theft comprised 5 crimes (11.4%), while a further 2 incidents fell under the category of 'other crime' (4.5%). Vehicle crime was relatively low, with only one reported incident (2.3%), as was burglary, also with one incident (2.3%). The prevalence of violence and sexual offences, coupled with a significant number of criminal damage incidents, contributes to the overall crime profile of Shotley Gate. The relatively small population of 1643 residents means that even a few incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per 1,000 people.

The crime rate in Shotley Gate has been increasing significantly. Data from January to December 2025 shows a 29.4% year-on-year rise. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in crime reported in February (3.7 per 1,000) and December (3.7 per 1,000), and a relative low in March (0.6 per 1,000). While these monthly variations exist, the overall upward trend remains concerning and warrants further investigation into the underlying causes. This increase necessitates a proactive and collaborative approach to crime prevention within the community.

How To Keep Safe in Shotley Gate

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Consider joining or forming a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster community vigilance. With criminal damage and arson being a concern, report any suspicious behaviour promptly to the authorities. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to mitigate the risk of theft.

The distribution of crimes throughout the day in Shotley Gate reveals some patterns. Burglary incidents are most frequently reported during the afternoon (8%), while theft is most common during commercial hours (54%). Vehicle crime tends to peak overnight (17%), suggesting opportunities during late-night hours. Violence, though less frequent, shows a tendency to occur during the evening (0%) and night (0%) periods, particularly on weekends. Understanding these patterns can help residents and authorities focus preventative measures during high-risk times.

Compared to Shotley Gate's crime rate of 26.8 per 1,000, neighbouring areas exhibit vastly different figures. Shotley and Parkeston have recorded no reported crimes, a stark contrast. However, Harwich and Felixstowe show significantly higher rates, with 95.9 and 56.0 per 1,000 respectively. These variations highlight the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding the specific factors contributing to crime patterns within Shotley Gate.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide valuable footage after a burglary has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. Consider a proactive approach to home security. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a different paradigm. By utilising multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning, scOS detects threats at your property boundary before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly identifies fake plates, while autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers create a powerful deterrent. Most burglars make decisions within 60 seconds – the visible deterrence of scOS often makes them move on, preventing the crime altogether. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another.