Lowestoft Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Lowestoft's crime profile in October 2023, accounting for 42.9% of all reported crimes. This category alone contributes significantly to the area's overall crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 15.0% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. The prominence of violent crime in this built-up area of East Suffolk contrasts with lower rates for vehicle crime and theft from the person, suggesting a pattern influenced by local social dynamics rather than economic or spatial factors. Seasonal changes in October—such as darker evenings following the clocks going back and the Halloween period—likely contribute to increased interpersonal crime, as seen in the 48% above UK average rate for violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also feature prominently, though they remain below the UK average for public order offences. The data reveals a combination of local conditions and national trends, with Lowestoft's crime profile shaped by its coastal location and the rhythms of its community. While the overall crime rate remains stable compared to previous months, the dominance of violent crime highlights the need for targeted policing strategies and community engagement in areas where social interactions are most frequent during the evening hours.

October 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary jumping 106.7% from 15 to 31 incidents. This sharp increase, coupled with an 85.2% rise in shoplifting, may be linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween and the end of the summer tourist season, which could have increased foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 52.8%, reflecting a 36% below UK average rate for this category—a trend explained by lower outdoor activity during darker evenings. The category of 'other theft' also fell 35%, though this remains 35% below the UK average, indicating a consistent pattern of lower property-related crime in Lowestoft. Violence and sexual offences remain 48% above the UK average, with 280 incidents reported—a figure that underscores the area's distinct challenges compared to national trends. For residents, the 85% increase in shoplifting in October is a concrete data point that may inform personal safety measures in local retail hubs.

Lowestoft's crime rate in October 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, with no change from the 9.2 per 1,000 residents figure. This consistency suggests that month-to-month fluctuations are not driving the overall trend, though specific categories like burglary and shoplifting show marked increases. Daily crime analysis reveals an average of 21 reported crimes per day in October—a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the area's population of 70,875. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 109 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is neither exceptionally high nor low compared to other built-up areas in the UK. This statistic provides a tangible measure for residents, indicating that while crime is present, it does not reach the levels seen in larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Lowestoft's crime profile is more reflective of its coastal location and smaller community size than the national average, with violent crime rates higher than property-related offences. This balance of crime types suggests a need for targeted interventions that address both social and environmental factors influencing crime in the area.