Beccles Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Beccles, East Suffolk, reveal a crime rate of 70.3 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in the area is crucial for informed decision-making and personal safety. Over the period, the crime rate has shown a stable trend, decreasing by 4.1% year-on-year. This indicates a potentially positive shift, although ongoing vigilance remains essential. This report aims to provide a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, trends, and practical advice for residents of Beccles.

The most recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals that Beccles experiences a crime rate of 70.3 per 1,000 residents, a figure slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of crime, accounting for 39.9% (283 crimes) of the total reported incidents. Shoplifting is the second most prevalent crime, with 119 reported offences, while other theft contributes 65 crimes. Criminal damage and arson (61 crimes) and anti-social behaviour (50 crimes) also represent notable concerns within the community. The prevalence of these crime types likely stems from a combination of factors, including the town's proximity to larger urban centres and the nature of its commercial activities. Demographic factors, such as the age distribution and socioeconomic characteristics of the population, may also play a role in shaping the local crime landscape.

The crime rate in Beccles has demonstrated a stable trend, decreasing by 4.1% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. While January 2025 saw a rate of 6.8 per 1,000, this dipped to a low of 3.9 per 1,000 in September 2025. Fluctuations were observed throughout the period, with a rise to 6.3 per 1,000 in October and a final rate of 5.5 per 1,000 in December. This gradual decrease suggests a potential improvement in safety, but it's vital to maintain vigilance and address underlying factors contributing to criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Beccles

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's advisable to be particularly vigilant when out alone, especially during the evening. Consider walking in well-lit areas and letting someone know your route. Due to the high incidence of shoplifting, if you own a business, ensure staff are trained in crime prevention and consider installing visible security measures. With vehicle crime also present, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight when parked, and consider a steering wheel lock. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Crimes in Beccles tend to follow a cyclical pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are more frequent during the afternoon and evening, particularly between 6pm and 12am. Vehicle crime is more likely to occur overnight, between 12am and 6am, while theft sees its peak during commercial hours, between 9am and 5pm. Violence and sexual offences are disproportionately concentrated in the evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am, with a higher frequency on weekends. This pattern suggests a correlation between increased foot traffic and reduced visibility during these periods, potentially creating opportunities for criminal activity.

Comparing Beccles with neighbouring areas, Worlingham exhibits a significantly lower crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000, while Geldeston reports a rate of 42.1 per 1,000. Barnby and North Cove stand out with a zero crime rate, highlighting the considerable variation in crime levels across the region. These disparities underscore the importance of understanding local factors contributing to crime and implementing targeted safety measures.

Traditional CCTV systems often record events after they’ve occurred, providing footage for investigation. However, a more proactive approach to home security can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents. Systems like scOS, utilising AI-powered threat detection, offer a different paradigm. scOS monitors all cameras simultaneously, identifying potential threats at your property boundary – be it a suspicious vehicle approaching or an unfamiliar individual lingering near your home. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags fake plates, and the system’s pattern learning capability recognises familiar faces and routines, ensuring only genuine threats trigger alerts. The visible presence of professional-grade security equipment, coupled with the autonomous response of lights and speakers, creates a powerful deterrent, often prompting potential offenders to move on before any crime can be committed. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another.