Beccles Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

July 2025 saw Beccles' crime rate climb to 6.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure that remains 24.4% below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. This overall rate, while modest, masks significant shifts in crime type distribution, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 47% of all incidents—making it the dominant category in the area. This concentration of violent crime, though slightly above the UK average for this category (3.0 per 1,000), may be influenced by Beccles' position as a transport hub and its proximity to major roads, which could increase exposure to incidents. The second most common crime, criminal damage and arson, surged to 12 incidents—a 200% increase from June—highlighting an unexpected spike that challenges assumptions about seasonal crime patterns. This anomaly may be linked to the area's summer festivals and outdoor events, which, while typically associated with lower crime, could inadvertently create conditions for property-related offences. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 46.2%, a decline that aligns with the seasonal drop in retail activity during school holidays. The broader context of July—peak summer, school closures, and tourism—suggests that local rhythms, such as the timing of festivals, may play a role in shaping crime trends. These patterns, when combined with Beccles' low overall crime rate, illustrate an area that is generally safe but requires targeted attention to emerging issues like the sudden rise in criminal damage and arson.

The most striking month-on-month shift was the 200% increase in criminal damage and arson, with incidents rising from 4 to 12. This surge, though unexplained by the data, may partly reflect the peak of summer festivals and outdoor events in July, which could inadvertently create opportunities for such crimes. Concurrently, vehicle crime doubled from 0 to 4, a jump that could relate to increased tourism or the presence of more vehicles in public spaces during the holiday season. In contrast, shoplifting fell by 46.2%, a decline consistent with the seasonal drop in retail footfall during school holidays. Violent crimes, which accounted for 47% of all incidents, remained 2% above the UK average at 3.1 per 1,000, a figure that suggests local factors—such as the town's proximity to major transport routes—may contribute to this trend. Meanwhile, public order offences were 53% below the UK average, a disparity that aligns with Beccles' reputation as a relatively tranquil built-up area. For residents, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson serves as a specific warning to remain vigilant during local events.

Beccles' crime rate in July 2025 rose 8.3% from June's 6.0 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents, a modest but notable upward trend. This increase, however, remains 24.4% below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000, placing the area among the safest in the country. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over July, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 10,095. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 153 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK's average, though not directly comparable due to differing population scales. The population context reinforces that Beccles' overall safety profile remains strong, even as specific crime categories show variance. For example, while violence and sexual offences dominate the local crime mix, public order offences are 53% below the UK average, a disparity likely tied to Beccles' quieter character compared to larger urban centres. This contrast between local and national patterns highlights the importance of contextualising crime data beyond raw numbers.