Felixstowe Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Felixstowe's overall crime rate for April 2023 stood at 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 29.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This discrepancy highlights the area’s distinct position within the national crime profile. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.8% of total reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.3%). These figures suggest a local profile skewed toward interpersonal and property-related disputes rather than theft or burglary, which were relatively low. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition to spring—likely influenced patterns of outdoor activity and social interaction, potentially contributing to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. The area’s violent crime rate (2.2 per 1,000) was 15% below the UK average, consistent with the generally lower levels of violent crime observed in coastal and semi-rural regions. This could reflect the town’s smaller population density, limited nightlife infrastructure, or community-focused policing strategies. However, the rate of criminal damage and arson (0.7 per 1,000) was 15% above the UK average, a figure that may be tied to the town’s industrial heritage or the presence of vacant properties in certain areas. As a built-up area within East Suffolk, Felixstowe’s crime profile appears shaped by a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and geographical factors, with April’s data illustrating both alignment with and divergence from broader national trends.

April 2023 saw significant shifts in crime trends within Felixstowe, with possession of weapons surging by 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents) and drugs-related offences doubling (from 1 to 3). These increases, though still low in absolute terms, may signal emerging patterns warranting attention. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 75% (from 8 to 2), a decline likely linked to Easter-related disruptions in retail activity or heightened police presence during the holiday period. The crime mix also revealed stark contrasts with the UK average: while violent crime was 15% below the national rate, possession of weapons was 186% above, an outlier that could reflect localized issues such as the distribution of knives in specific areas or the presence of transient populations. Anti-social behaviour remained lower than the UK average (32% below), a trend that may be attributed to the town’s smaller, more closely knit community structures. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped 78% below the UK average, a figure that aligns with the limited number of car parks and commercial zones in Felixstowe compared to larger urban centres. For residents, the most immediately relevant insight is the 40.8% share of violent crimes, which underscores the importance of community safety initiatives and targeted policing in addressing interpersonal conflict.

Felixstowe’s crime rate in April 2023 (5.3 per 1,000) represented a 3.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 4 crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that may seem modest but reflects the area’s relatively low population density and limited commercial activity compared to larger cities. When scaled to the local population of 24,417, the monthly exposure to crime amounted to one reported incident for every 188 residents, a statistic that provides context for how frequently residents encounter crime in their daily lives. This rate is particularly noteworthy when contrasted with the UK average, as it illustrates the area’s consistently lower crime levels despite its built-up status. The 29.3% gap between Felixstowe’s rate and the national average remains a key differentiator, one that may be reinforced by the town’s coastal geography, which tends to see fewer property crimes and burglary incidents than inland areas. However, the 15% above-average rate of criminal damage and arson highlights the need for ongoing efforts to address property-related offences, particularly in industrial zones. For residents, these figures offer a balanced perspective: while the area is generally safer than the UK average, targeted interventions remain necessary to address specific vulnerabilities.