Beccles Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Beccles' crime rate in July 2024 was 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 9.5% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, conceals a striking anomaly: violence and sexual offences in the area were 33% above the UK average, with 38 cases reported—equivalent to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This category accounted for nearly half (49.4%) of all crimes in July, far outpacing the next most common offence, anti-social behaviour (11.7%). The seasonal context of July—characterised by peak tourism, festivals, and extended daylight hours—offers a plausible explanation for these patterns. High foot traffic in public spaces and the presence of summer events may contribute to both increased incidents of violence and the challenges of managing anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson (0.8 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.7 per 1,000) also exceeded UK averages, suggesting a broader trend of heightened activity in shared spaces. This data aligns with Beccles' status as a built-up area within East Suffolk, where the mix of residential, commercial, and recreational zones likely amplifies the impact of seasonal events on crime dynamics.

July 2024 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories. Public order offences surged by 250%, jumping from 2 to 7 incidents, a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, increasing by 200% from 3 to 9 cases, which is 38% below the UK average. This divergence underscores the combination of local events and crime patterns, with summer festivals and extended daylight hours likely contributing to the spike in public order issues. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and drugs offences both decreased significantly—vehicle crime fell by 66.7% (from 6 to 2), and drugs offences dropped by 33.3% (from 3 to 2). These declines, though welcome, are not universally mirrored across the UK, where vehicle crime remains 57% higher than in Beccles. The most surprising finding, however, is the 194% increase in 'other crime' compared to the UK average, a category that includes unclassified offences and may reflect underreporting or evolving criminal activity types.

Beccles' crime rate in July 2024 rose by 37.5% compared to the previous month, climbing from 5.6 to 7.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still leaves the area 9.5% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics reveal a local average of roughly two crimes reported each day in July, a figure that translates to one reported crime occurring for every 131 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents: in a community of 10,095 people, the likelihood of encountering a crime is relatively low, but the upward trend from June suggests a shift in local patterns. While the UK-wide average offers a benchmark, Beccles' unique demographic and geographic profile—characterised by a mix of rural and built-up areas—means local factors likely play a larger role than national trends. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that, despite the rise, Beccles remains a relatively safe area compared to the UK average.