Beccles Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Beccles’ crime rate in July 2023 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, 12% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This marked a notable deviation from typical summer patterns, where increased tourism and outdoor activity often correlate with higher crime rates. The most significant finding was the surge in possession of weapons, which rose to 2 incidents (0.2 per 1,000), 150% above the UK average. This spike, despite overall crime falling, highlights an unusual local dynamic that may not be fully explained by seasonal factors alone. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, accounting for 40.5% of all reported crimes, though they were 8% above the UK average. This suggests that while Beccles is generally safer than the national average, specific types of crime—particularly those involving weapons—require closer attention. The month also saw a marked drop in shoplifting, which fell by 52.4% to 10 incidents, possibly linked to increased retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during local festivals. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 50%, a change that may reflect the impact of community engagement initiatives or the timing of school holidays. However, the increase in 'other crime' and drug-related offences—both doubling from June levels—raises questions about localised pressures that could be tied to transient populations or changes in law enforcement priorities. Given Beccles’ status as a built-up area within East Suffolk, its crime profile appears influenced by a combination of its coastal location, seasonal tourism, and the characteristics of its small-town community. The relatively low burglary rate (0.1 per 1,000) and the sharp drop in public order offences (50% decrease) further suggest that the area’s crime profile is shaped by both geographic and demographic factors that may not be fully captured by standard national statistics.

July 2023 saw sharp declines in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, with shoplifting falling 52.4% to 10 incidents (from 21 in June) and anti-social behaviour dropping 50% to 10 cases. This contrasted with unexpected increases in other crime categories, including a 100% rise in 'other crime' and 'drugs' offences, both doubling from previous month levels. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 40.5% of all incidents, and were 8% above the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Meanwhile, possession of weapons surged to 2 incidents (0.2 per 1,000), a 150% increase over the UK average. These shifts suggest a complex mix of factors, including potential seasonal influences on retail crime and possible localised spikes in illicit activity. Residents may find the 50% reduction in anti-social behaviour particularly notable, as it could indicate effective community policing or changes in local event schedules.

Beccles recorded a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents in July 2023, a 9.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal trends, where summer months often see reduced property crime due to increased foot traffic and community activity. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over the month, suggesting a manageable level of activity for a small built-up area. When scaled to the population, this equates to one reported crime for every 136 residents over the course of July, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents. Comparing this to the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, Beccles remains safer, though the area’s unique character—likely influenced by its coastal proximity and seasonal tourism—may contribute to this pattern. The decrease from the previous month could reflect temporary factors, such as the timing of local events or shifts in police resource allocation during the summer period.