East Suffolk Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

East Suffolk's crime profile in August 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences comprising the largest share (43.7%) of all reported incidents. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where such offences account for 18% of all crimes. The area's relatively low overall crime rate (4.9 per 1,000 residents) — 40.2% below the UK average — suggests a combination of factors, including the district's rural character and potential community-based policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category (12.0%), and criminal damage and arson (10.2%) indicate ongoing challenges with public order, though both are significantly below the UK average. Seasonal context plays a role, as August's peak tourism period may have influenced patterns: while burglary rates remain low (0.1 per 1,000), the seasonal context of empty homes during holidays could have theoretically increased burglary risk, though this did not manifest in the data. The absence of significant property crime spikes, despite the summer season, points to either effective local measures or the inherent lower risk associated with East Suffolk's dispersed population and infrastructure. This mix of crime types highlights a focus on community safety and public order, with a need for targeted interventions in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence remain concentrated.

August 2024 saw a 41.7% increase in shoplifting, rising from 72 to 102 incidents. This surge aligns with seasonal patterns, as summer months often see higher retail activity and tourism, which may contribute to targeted thefts. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 55.6% (from 9 to 4), potentially reflecting improved security measures or reduced foot traffic in key areas. The category of 'possession of weapons' rose by 18.2%, the only category above the UK average, though this remains a small proportion (1.1% of total crimes). Violent crimes, which make up 43.7% of all incidents, were 18% below the UK average, suggesting East Suffolk's approach to addressing violent crime may be more effective than the national average. These shifts in crime mix illustrate a combination of seasonal factors and local enforcement priorities.

East Suffolk's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a 6.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.3. This monthly decline suggests a possible stabilization in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, 40 crimes were reported across the 31 days of August, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 203 residents over the course of the month. This figure, while modest, underscores the relative safety of the area compared to national averages. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the rate highlights the effectiveness of local initiatives or the unique characteristics of East Suffolk, which appears to have fewer concentrated crime hotspots than the UK average. The combination of low property crime rates and a notable drop in burglary compared to the UK average may reflect the area's rural and semi-rural landscape, where dispersed communities and limited urban density naturally reduce opportunities for certain types of crime.