Felixstowe Crime Rate

Felixstowe’s crime rate of 56.4 per 1,000 residents is 38% below the UK average, making it a relatively safe area despite higher rates than nearby rural neighbours. The most striking contrast is with Shotley Gate, where crime is 93% lower. While violence and sexual offences remain 20% above the UK average, anti-social behaviour is 65% below, reflecting a complex interplay between community dynamics and local geography.

Felixstowe, a coastal town in East Suffolk, blends residential communities with commercial hubs and a busy port. Its proximity to the North Sea and seasonal tourism may influence crime patterns, particularly in public spaces. The area’s mix of commuter housing and retail centres likely contributes to anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, while its quieter residential zones may see fewer burglaries than urban counterparts.

Felixstowe’s most surprising finding is its significantly lower anti-social behaviour rate—65% below the UK average. This may reflect strong community cohesion or effective local policing. Violence and sexual offences, however, remain 20% above the UK average, potentially linked to late-night activity in the town’s retail and leisure areas. Criminal damage and arson rates are 19% below the UK average, possibly due to lower industrial activity compared to other regions. Shoplifting and public order crimes also fall below the UK average, suggesting effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic in key areas.

Crime in Felixstowe has remained stable, with a -4.5% year-on-year decrease. Robbery has dropped by 44.4% YoY, likely due to improved street lighting and community policing. Vehicle crime has fallen by 15.8%, possibly reflecting better parking security near the port. However, bicycle theft has risen by 38.5%, potentially linked to increased tourism. Monthly trends show a peak in July (6.1 per 1,000/month), likely driven by summer tourism, followed by a decline in November.

How To Keep Safe in Felixstowe

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after 6pm, as violence and sexual offences peak during evenings and weekends. Use well-lit routes home and report suspicious behaviour promptly. For property security, invest in motion-sensor lighting and secure bike storage, as bicycle theft has risen by 38.5% YoY. Community engagement through Neighbourhood Watch can further deter anti-social behaviour, which is 65% below the UK average.

Crimes in Felixstowe peak in the evening and night, with vehicle crime spiking between 12am and 6am—likely due to unsecured parking near the port and retail zones. Theft from the person and shoplifting concentrate in the afternoon, aligning with shopping hours and foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour and other crimes rise at night, potentially tied to nightlife activity. Weekends see a 20-40% increase in evening/nighttime crimes compared to weekdays, reflecting higher social activity and potential vulnerability in crowded areas.

Felixstowe’s crime rate is 93% higher than Shotley Gate, the area’s safest neighbour, but 38% below the UK average. Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin have lower rates, likely due to their rural character and smaller populations. Shotley Gate’s lower crime may reflect its more isolated location and fewer commercial hubs.

For Felixstowe residents, proactive home security is crucial. scOS’s DVLA vehicle registration verification can help detect stolen or cloned plates near your property, addressing the 72% lower vehicle crime rate in the area. Its AI-powered boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring are ideal for preventing burglaries, which are 74% below the UK average. These features ensure real-time response, reducing the risk of opportunistic crimes in high-traffic zones.