Felixstowe Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Felixstowe's overall crime rate in October 2023 stood at 5.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a significant 27.5% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area's relative safety, though seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween may have influenced patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (14.8%) and public order issues (12.7%). These figures suggest a persistent focus on interpersonal conflicts and property-related incidents, which may be exacerbated by the town's coastal location and transient population. The lower-than-average rate for anti-social behaviour (45% below UK levels) could reflect community cohesion or effective local policing. The crime mix shows a strong emphasis on violent crime compared to other UK regions, linked to Felixstowe's role as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. However, the seasonal context of October—marked by shorter days and Halloween—may have contributed to increased reports of public order offences, though this remains speculative without further data. The town's proximity to major transport routes and its status as a port may also shape crime dynamics, with potential links to transient populations and economic activity. These factors, combined with the area's relatively low crime rate, suggest a combination of local geography and seasonal influences.

October 2023 saw notable reductions in shoplifting, with incidents falling by 83.3% compared to September, from six to one. This decline may be attributed to heightened awareness around Halloween or increased police presence in retail areas. Conversely, vehicle crime surged by 300%, rising from one to four incidents, potentially linked to the start of the winter season and increased vehicle-related activity. Other crime also rose sharply by 150%, from two to five cases, though the specific nature of these incidents remains unclear. Criminal damage and arson increased by 110%, climbing from ten to 21, which could be connected to seasonal factors or local events. On the UK comparison front, violence and sexual offences in Felixstowe were 19% below the national average, while anti-social behaviour was 45% below. However, criminal damage and arson were 43% above the UK average, indicating a unique challenge for local authorities. These shifts highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas experiencing spikes, while the overall downward trend in shoplifting offers a positive sign for community safety initiatives.

Felixstowe's crime rate in October 2023 (5.8 per 1,000) represented an 11.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.6 per 1,000, underscoring a continuing downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately five crimes per day over the month, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local safety. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for every 172 residents over the course of October—a monthly aggregate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in the built-up area. This rate is particularly striking when compared to the UK average, where residents face one crime for every 125 residents (8.0 per 1,000). The 27.5% gap between Felixstowe and the national average suggests effective local policing or community-focused crime prevention strategies. However, the data also reveals disparities in specific crime categories: while violent crime remains below UK levels, property-related offences like criminal damage and arson are significantly higher. These discrepancies may reflect the area's unique characteristics, such as its coastal location and transient population, which could influence both crime patterns and policing effectiveness. For residents, the 1-in-172 monthly exposure figure offers reassurance, though the spike in certain categories warrants continued attention.