East Suffolk Crime Rate

East Suffolk currently reports an overall crime rate of 56.3 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK national average of 91.7. This contributes to an excellent safety score of 86/100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend is currently decreasing, showing a 5.5% fall year-over-year. Property crime is particularly low at just 19.2 per 1,000, which is nearly half the national average of 32.3. These figures indicate that East Suffolk is a very secure and peaceful district, where residents enjoy a much lower risk of criminal activity compared to most other parts of the country. The combination of stable trends and low property crime makes it a highly desirable area for safety-conscious residents.

About East Suffolk

East Suffolk is a diverse local authority district combining picturesque coastal towns, busy ports, and rural agricultural areas. The region includes major settlements like Lowestoft and Felixstowe, the latter being home to the UK's largest container port. These transport hubs, alongside a thriving tourism industry during the summer months, influence the local crime statistics by introducing a high volume of transient visitors and commercial activity.

Demographically, East Suffolk has a mix of established residential communities and areas with higher population density. The district's economy is supported by energy sectors, tourism, and maritime trade. While generally affluent, there are pockets of economic disparity that can influence local crime rates. The combination of rural isolation in some parts and urban activity in others creates a varied safety profile, though the district remains one of the more secure regions in the East of England.

Crime Breakdown in East Suffolk

The most common crime types in East Suffolk are violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.1% of all recorded incidents (24.2 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.5% and anti-social behaviour at 10.2%. These figures suggest that personal safety and community conduct are the primary areas of focus for local law enforcement across the district.

Property crime in East Suffolk is relatively low, with an overall rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people, significantly better than the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting (7.1%) and 'other theft' (6.8%) are more frequent than burglary, which stands at 2.5 per 1,000 residents (4.3% of total crime). For homeowners, this indicates that while the risk of a break-in is low compared to national figures, there is a persistent need to protect against opportunistic theft and vandalism. Maintaining robust security measures for both homes and outbuildings is recommended to mitigate these risks.

Crime Trends in East Suffolk

The crime trend in East Suffolk is currently decreasing, with a year-over-year fall of 5.5%. This indicates a consistent improvement in public safety over the last two years. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate reached its lowest point in January 2025 at 4.1 per 1,000 people.

Throughout 2025, the rate saw a gradual increase during the spring and summer months, peaking in June and July at 5.3. This seasonal rise is common in coastal districts as warmer weather and tourism often lead to increased social activity. Following the summer peak, the rate generally trended downwards, ending the period at 4.4 in November. For residents, this decreasing trend is a very positive sign that the area is becoming even more secure, allowing for a predictable and generally safe living environment across the entire local authority area.

East Suffolk is a primary administrative and residential district in the East of England. When compared to surrounding areas in this dataset, East Suffolk shows a reported crime rate of 56.3 per 1,000, while Mid Suffolk, Ipswich, Babergh, South Norfolk, Norwich, and Tendring all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this period. While these zero-rated figures likely reflect different reporting boundaries or data lags in this specific dataset, they position East Suffolk as the most active area for recorded law enforcement in the immediate region. However, compared to national figures, East Suffolk remains an exceptionally safe district. For those looking for a secure coastal or rural lifestyle, East Suffolk offers a superior safety profile compared to the UK average.

Home security in East Suffolk should focus on preventing opportunistic theft and criminal damage, which are more prevalent than burglary in this district. With a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000, residents benefit from a very low risk, but maintaining that safety requires a modern approach. Standard security systems are often reactive, providing you with a recording of an event after it has already occurred.

scOS provides a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at your property's boundary. Because scOS watches all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent pattern learning, it can distinguish between a delivery driver and a genuine threat. If an intruder is detected, the system doesn't just send a notification; it can autonomously engage deterrents like lights and speakers. This immediate intervention is crucial, as most burglars or vandals decide whether to proceed within 60 seconds. By destroying the element of surprise, scOS ensures that your home remains protected, shifting the focus from recording a crime to preventing it entirely—a vital feature for the larger or more isolated properties often found across East Suffolk.

How To Keep Safe in East Suffolk

The highest crime category in East Suffolk is violence and sexual offences. While the overall risk is low, broader regional safety can be improved by following these practical tips:

1. Be mindful of your surroundings when using public transport hubs or walking through town centres late at night, especially in busy coastal hubs. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas.
2. Report anti-social behaviour promptly to the local council or police. ASB is a notable concern in the area, and early reporting helps authorities allocate resources to hotspots effectively.
3. Ensure that your home's exterior is well-maintained and adequately lit. Criminal damage and arson are the second most common issues here; visible security can act as a strong deterrent.
4. When visiting coastal areas or busy ports, keep your valuables secure and out of sight to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft, which is more common than burglary in the district.
5. Participate in local community groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about local safety and foster a supportive environment for all residents across the district.