Melton Crime Rate

Melton is a secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 53.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly better than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a high safety score of 86/100. However, crime in the area has seen an upward trend, increasing by 34.3% year-over-year. While the area is safe, the specific breakdown of crime types reveals that vehicle crime is more prevalent here than in many neighbouring settlements. Understanding these local nuances is key for residents to protect their property effectively. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of Melton's crime data, including a breakdown of crime types, timing, and practical safety suggestions.

Melton's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.8% of all reported incidents (44 crimes). This is followed by vehicle crime at 12.8% and other theft at 8.5%, alongside criminal damage and arson also at 8.5%. These categories represent the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime in Melton—including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—stands at a rate of 17.5 per 1,000 people. Notably, vehicle crime is the second most common offence in the area, which is an unusual pattern for a settlement of this size. Burglary, however, is very low, making up only 1.1% of the total (1 crime). For residents and homeowners, this suggests that while the risk of a home break-in is statistically minimal, the security of vehicles parked on streets or driveways is a significant priority that requires specific attention.

Melton's crime rate has increased by 34.3% year-over-year, following a fluctuating but generally upward trend. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows several peaks and troughs. The year began with a rate of 5.1 in December, followed by its lowest point of 1.7 in January.

Activity then increased, with significant peaks of 6.8 recorded in February and August. The spring and early summer months (April and May) also saw elevated rates of 6.2. Towards the end of the year, the rate began to decline, dropping from 4.5 in September to 1.1 in November. This suggests that while the overall annual trend is up, the final quarter of 2025 showed a marked improvement. Residents should remain aware that crime in Melton appears to be seasonal, with higher activity recorded during the late winter and summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Melton

The most common crime in Melton is violence and sexual offences, but vehicle crime is also a significant local concern. To stay safe in the area, consider the following advice:

1. Always lock your vehicle and ensure no valuables, bags, or even loose change are visible through the windows, as vehicle crime is notably high here.
2. If you park on a driveway, consider installing motion-activated lighting to illuminate the area around your vehicle.
3. Be aware of your surroundings when walking in the area, particularly during the evening, and stick to well-lit routes.
4. Ensure your home's boundary is secure; while burglary is low, well-maintained fences and gates can deter opportunistic vehicle thieves from entering your property.
5. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the police via 101 to help them allocate resources effectively to the area.

Crime timing in Melton shows a heavy concentration of theft and vehicle-related offences. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft makes up 43% of incidents, while vehicle crime is already high at 35%. This trend shifts in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft rises to 58% and vehicle crime drops to 15%.

The evening (6pm-12am) sees vehicle crime rise again to 40% of all reported offences. However, the most striking pattern occurs during the night-time hours (12am-6am), where vehicle crime accounts for a massive 71% of all reports. Burglary remains very low across all time periods, never exceeding 5%. This data clearly indicates that while Melton is a safe residential area, vehicle security is a critical concern, especially during the late night and early morning hours.

In comparison to its neighbours, Melton's crime profile is very similar to Woodbridge, which has a nearly identical crime rate of 51.4 per 1,000. While very small rural settlements like Ufford (East Suffolk), Bredfield, and Bromeswell all recorded zero crimes, Melton's rate is typical for a more developed urban area. For those looking at the region, Melton provides a safe environment that is well below the national crime average, offering a secure alternative to larger towns while maintaining good local amenities.

With vehicle crime being the second most common offence in Melton (at 6.8 per 1,000), protecting your driveway and property boundary is essential. Traditional security cameras often only act as a recording device, showing you the moment your car was broken into after the fact. In an area where vehicle crime accounts for 71% of night-time activity, reactive security is simply not enough.

scOS offers a proactive AI-powered security system that identifies threats before they reach your vehicle or home. By using multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour's car and a potential threat. If an intruder enters your property boundary, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and deterring the criminal before any damage is done. For Melton homeowners, this proactive approach provides the most robust protection against the area's most common property-related risks.