Beccles Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 in Beccles revealed a striking anomaly in its crime profile: the 'Other crime' category was 167% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the overall rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents, which was 32.8% below the national average. This divergence highlights the complexity of local crime dynamics, where certain categories deviate significantly from broader trends. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (37.2% of total incidents) and shoplifting (11.6%), both of which were below UK averages. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—likely contributes to the subdued overall rate, though the surge in 'Other crime' suggests factors unique to the area. Beccles, as a built-up area within East Suffolk, may have a crime profile influenced by its rural-urban balance, where limited commercial activity and sparse population density could reduce opportunities for some crimes while creating specific vulnerabilities for others. The relatively low rate of property crimes (such as burglary and vehicle crime) further aligns with the area's character, where smaller communities and lower foot traffic may deter certain types of crime. However, the spike in 'Other crime'—a category that often includes unclassified incidents—raises questions about the nature of these cases, though the data does not provide further details. This month's statistics underscore the importance of contextualising crime rates within both local and national frameworks, as Beccles continues to maintain a safety record that is, for the most part, consistent with its geographic and demographic profile.

February 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with 'Other crime' surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and burglary doubling (from 2 to 4). These increases contrast sharply with the 58.3% decline in shoplifting, which fell from 12 to 5 incidents—a shift that may reflect seasonal factors or changes in retail activity. The category of 'Other crime' stands out as the only type exceeding the UK average by 167%, a stark contrast to the 31% deficit in violence and sexual offences, which were 1.6 per 1,000 compared to the UK's 2.3 per 1,000. For residents, the daily crime count of 2 incidents provides a tangible measure of local risk, though it remains well below the national average. The absence of significant changes in violent crimes—such as the stable rate of 16 incidents—suggests a broader consistency in the area's safety profile, despite the spikes in certain categories.

Beccles' crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 17.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical winter patterns, where lower outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the area's relatively small population of 10,095. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 235 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic contextualises the safety of Beccles within a broader demographic framework, suggesting that the local environment—possibly shaped by its rural character and lower population density—contributes to a crime profile that diverges from national trends. The population-scaled perspective further underscores that the area's low crime rate is not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of its unique social and geographic context.