Felixstowe Crime Rate

Felixstowe's crime rate of 56.3 per 1,000 residents — 38% below the UK average — reveals a striking contrast to its coastal location. While nearby areas like Shotley Gate report rates as low as 28.0 per 1,000, Felixstowe's crime profile defies expectations. Theft from the person has plummeted by 55.6% YoY, and anti-social behaviour remains 62% below the UK average. This low-crime environment, paired with a safety score of 86/100, makes Felixstowe an anomaly among coastal towns.

Felixstowe is a coastal built-up area in East Suffolk, known for its mix of residential communities, small businesses, and proximity to the North Sea. As a commuter hub and seaside resort, it experiences a unique blend of daily rhythms — retail activity peaks in the morning, while evening hours see increased foot traffic along the promenade. Socioeconomic factors such as a relatively high median income and limited industrial presence likely contribute to its low crime profile, though seasonal tourism may influence certain crime types like theft from the person.

The most surprising finding is that Felixstowe's property crime rate (17.1 per 1,000) is 46.3% below the UK average, despite its coastal location which often sees higher rates of vehicle crime. This is likely due to the area's low population density and strong community cohesion. Violence and sexual offences (25.9 per 1,000) are 19% below the UK average, possibly reflecting the town's family-oriented demographics and limited nightlife. Anti-social behaviour (5.5 per 1,000) is 62% below the UK average, which may stem from the area's relatively quiet residential character and effective local policing. The sharp 39% YoY increase in 'other crime' suggests emerging patterns requiring further analysis, though it remains well below the UK average.

Felixstowe's crime rate has remained stable (-3.6% YoY) over the past year, with notable fluctuations in specific categories. Theft from the person has seen a dramatic 55.6% decrease, likely due to increased police patrols and community awareness campaigns. Conversely, 'other crime' has risen by 39.4% YoY, though it remains 6% below the UK average. Vehicle crime has increased by 16.1% YoY, possibly linked to rising commuter traffic. These trends suggest a combination of local initiatives and external factors like economic changes affecting transient populations.

How To Keep Safe in Felixstowe

Residents should prioritise securing vehicles, as vehicle crime has increased by 16% YoY. Parking in well-lit areas near community centres or using garage storage is advisable. For anti-social behaviour, which is 62% below the UK average, reporting disturbances promptly to local authorities helps maintain the area's low-risk profile. Given the 55.6% YoY drop in theft from the person, residents may feel confident in public spaces but should still avoid leaving valuables unattended during peak shopping hours (12pm-6pm).

Crime in Felixstowe follows distinct diurnal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (49% of reported incidents) during the busy shopping hours at local retail centres. Vehicle crime spikes at night (26% of incidents), likely due to unsecured vehicles in residential areas with limited street lighting. Other crime is most prevalent between midnight and 6am, aligning with the nocturnal activity of transient populations. The absence of violence and sexual offences during evening hours contrasts with nearby urban areas, highlighting Felixstowe's lower-risk profile for such crimes.

Felixstowe's crime rate of 56.3 per 1,000 is 101% higher than Shotley Gate (28.0 per 1,000), the region's safest area. Trimley St Martin (42.5 per 1,000) shows a 32% higher rate than Felixstowe, likely due to its more compact residential layout. Trimley St Mary (30.2 per 1,000) has a lower rate, possibly reflecting its smaller population and less commercial activity.

In Felixstowe's low-crime environment, proactive security measures are proportionate to the area's profile, scOS can help residents manage vehicle crime, which has risen by 16% YoY. The system's AI detects threats at property perimeters, distinguishing between routine activity and potential intrusions. For example, its DVLA vehicle registration verification feature could flag stolen or cloned plates near residential parking areas. With a crime rate 38% below the UK average, scOS offers a discreet layer of protection without overcomplicating daily life in this seaside community.