Martlesham Heath Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Martlesham Heath, East Suffolk, reveal a concerning picture. Over the period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 154.5 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This places Martlesham Heath amongst the areas with a lower safety score (68/100) compared to the national average (79/100). Furthermore, crime rates have been increasing, rising by 8.4% year-on-year. Understanding the specifics of these crimes and the contributing factors is essential for residents seeking to enhance their personal safety and contribute to community wellbeing. While these figures require careful interpretation, they highlight the importance of proactive safety measures and community engagement.

The crime landscape in Martlesham Heath is dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.1% of reported crimes, followed by ‘Other’ crimes at 29.6%. Shoplifting represents a significant concern, with 14.8% of incidents. Public order offences, criminal damage and arson, and drug-related crimes each contribute approximately 4-7% of the total. While robbery and burglary are relatively low in number, their impact on residents is significant. The prevalence of ‘Other’ crimes highlights the need for further investigation into the specific nature of these incidents and potential underlying factors influencing their occurrence. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing targeted crime prevention strategies.

Crime rates in Martlesham Heath have steadily increased throughout the data period (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025), culminating in an 8.4% year-on-year rise. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with peaks observed in April (17.3 per 1,000), October (16.5 per 1,000), and a more consistent level around 12-16 per 1,000 during other months. This upward trend demands focused attention from law enforcement and community stakeholders to identify root causes and implement effective crime prevention strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Martlesham Heath

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling with others. Due to the frequency of shoplifting incidents, be vigilant when in local stores and keep valuables secure. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Secure your home with robust locks and consider an alarm system. Finally, be cautious about sharing personal information online and be mindful of doorstep callers.

Crime patterns in Martlesham Heath demonstrate a varied distribution throughout the day. Burglary incidents are relatively more common during the night (15%), while thefts are concentrated in the afternoon (55%). Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening hours (22%) and night (16%). Vehicle crime has a slightly higher occurrence overnight (8%). These patterns suggest that residents should be particularly vigilant during evening and night hours and take appropriate precautions to secure their property and personal safety.

Compared to surrounding areas, Martlesham Heath exhibits a considerably higher crime rate than Little Bealings (0.0 per 1,000) and Bucklesham (0.0 per 1,000). Kesgrave’s crime rate is also lower at 25.0 per 1,000, while Martlesham itself has a lower rate of 82.4 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the unique challenges faced by Martlesham Heath and the importance of targeted interventions to improve safety and reduce crime.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little preventative value. In Martlesham Heath, with a crime rate of 154.5 per 1,000, reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. Systems like scOS offer a proactive approach, utilising AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary – fake plates are instantly flagged by DVLA vehicle verification, and the system learns your routines to filter out normal activity. This element of surprise discourages potential burglars; most will decide within those crucial 60 seconds to move on, preventing the crime altogether. This shift from reactive recording to proactive prevention is a significant advantage, especially in an area with elevated crime rates.