East Suffolk Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

East Suffolk's crime rate in July 2023 (6.3 per 1,000 residents) placed it 24.1% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, highlighting a consistently lower crime profile compared to the national picture. This performance aligns with the area's character as a largely rural district with a dispersed population, where lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.1% of all crimes reported, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and criminal damage and arson (10.0%). These patterns reflect the seasonal context of July, a peak summer month marked by increased outdoor activity, school holidays, and tourism. The high proportion of violent crime may be partially explained by the social dynamics of larger towns within the district, where nightlife and public spaces attract higher foot traffic. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of vehicle crime (58% below the UK average) could indicate effective local measures or fewer opportunities in rural areas. The data also shows a marked underperformance in theft from the person (100% below the UK average), suggesting a lower incidence of opportunistic street crimes compared to urban centres. This contrast with the UK average underscores East Suffolk's distinct crime profile, shaped by its geographical and demographic characteristics.

July 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with theft from the person increasing by 100% (3 to 6 incidents) — a sharp rise that may reflect increased outdoor activity or targeted opportunism during summer. Other crime also rose significantly, climbing 58.8% (34 to 54). Burglary increased by 36% (50 to 68), possibly linked to seasonal absences or changes in property security practices. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 6.6% (167 to 156), a decline that may be consistent with the typically lower incidence of such crimes in rural areas during warmer months. East Suffolk's performance against UK averages reveals striking disparities: violence and sexual offences (14% below the UK average) and anti-social behaviour (23% below) remain lower, while other crime (43% above the UK average) and possession of weapons (25% above) show unexpected deviations. These variations suggest complex local factors influencing specific crime types. For residents, the 100% reduction in theft from the person compared to the UK average offers a tangible reassurance about personal safety in the area.

East Suffolk's crime rate in July 2023 (6.3 per 1,000) represented an 8.3% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.8 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. This monthly change aligns with seasonal trends, as the summer months often see fluctuations in crime types linked to tourism and outdoor events. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 50 crimes per day — a figure that, while lower than many urban centres, reflects the scale of activity in a district spanning both rural and coastal areas. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic, when considered alongside East Suffolk's population of 249,664, illustrates the relatively low frequency of crime in a region where public spaces are less densely populated than in major cities. The comparison to the UK average also highlights the area's success in maintaining lower rates of violent crime and anti-social behaviour, which may be attributed to its rural character and community-focused policing strategies. However, the rise in other crime (43% above the UK average) suggests areas for further attention.