Beccles Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 marked a continuation of Beccles’ generally low crime profile, with an overall rate of 6.1 crimes per 1,000 residents—24.7% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure places the town firmly in the category of areas with below-average crime exposure, a position it has maintained for several years. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.1% of all incidents (23 cases), followed by other theft (14.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These figures contrast with national trends, as violence in Beccles was 13% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 65% below. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping these patterns: August, a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism, which can both elevate risks (such as burglary of empty homes) and reduce certain crimes (like shoplifting, which fell by 60% this month). However, the data also shows an unexpected rise in theft from the person, a category where Beccles’ rate was 208% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be explained by the town’s proximity to major transport routes or seasonal events that attract transient populations. While the overall crime rate remained stable, the shift in crime types—from property-related offences to personal crimes—suggests a need for targeted community engagement strategies, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during peak tourist periods. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime, both below UK averages, further reinforce the notion that Beccles’ built-up area is not a typical hotbed for such crimes, possibly due to its smaller size and more tightly knit community structure.

August 2023 marked a stark shift in crime patterns, with theft from the person doubling from zero to four incidents—a 100% increase. This surge, though small in absolute terms, could reflect increased summer activity in public spaces or targeted opportunities during peak tourist hours. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 60%, from 10 to 4 crimes, possibly due to fewer tourists or heightened vigilance during the holiday season. Violence and sexual offences also saw a 23.3% decline, from 30 to 23, though this category remains 13% below the UK average at 2.3 per 1,000. Theft from the person in Beccles was 208% above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.1 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may be attributed to the town’s proximity to coastal routes or seasonal gatherings. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 50%, from 10 to 5 incidents, aligning with the broader trend of reduced public disorder during the summer months.

August 2023 saw a 16.2% decline in Beccles’ crime rate, dropping from 7.3 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This downward trend aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as the summer months often see reduced foot traffic in non-tourist areas and fewer opportunities for crimes like shoplifting. Locally, the average of two reported crimes per day—roughly 22 total crimes over 31 days—suggests a manageable level of activity, though this figure does not account for unreported incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 163 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure risk for the area’s population of 10,095. This rate is lower than the UK average, reflecting Beccles’ generally stable environment. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while crime remains a concern, the frequency is proportionally lower than in many other parts of the country, particularly in urban centres. This contrast underscores the area’s unique characteristics, including its relatively low population density and possibly more community-focused policing efforts.