Bacton and Cotton Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Bacton and Cotton, Suffolk, reveal a crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a disproportionate level of criminal activity within the area. While long-term trends are not available from the provided data, the recent increase of 15.4% year-on-year indicates a concerning upward trajectory. Understanding the specific types of crimes occurring and the factors contributing to them is essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

The crime landscape in Bacton and Cotton is dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.2% of recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour represents a significant proportion at 15.6%, alongside other theft (8.9%) and vehicle crime (8.9%). While criminal damage and arson, public order offences, and weapon possession contribute smaller percentages, the prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour necessitates a focused approach to community safety. The comparatively low number of burglaries (2.2%) suggests that property intrusion is not a primary concern, though vigilance remains crucial. The types of crime reported reflect the close-knit nature of the community, with incidents potentially stemming from interpersonal conflicts and localised issues.

The reported increase in crime by 15.4% year-on-year in Bacton and Cotton is a cause for concern. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout 2025. While January and February saw relatively low crime rates (2.5 and 1.7 per 1,000 respectively), April, May, July, October, and December experienced significantly higher rates (4.2, 4.2, 4.2, 5.1, 4.2, and 5.9 per 1,000). These peaks suggest potential seasonal or event-related factors influencing crime levels. Further investigation is needed to determine the underlying causes of this upward trend and implement targeted preventative measures.

How To Keep Safe in Bacton and Cotton

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Consider walking with a friend or family member, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Vehicle crime is also a concern, so ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are removed. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, and consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Finally, secure your home with robust locks and consider installing motion-activated lighting to deter potential intruders.

Criminal activity in Bacton and Cotton exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are relatively low across all time periods, with a slight increase in the afternoon. Violence and sexual offences are more prevalent during the evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am. Vehicle crime shows a concerning trend of higher incidence overnight, between 12am and 6am. Theft is most common during commercial hours in the afternoon, while other crimes are distributed more evenly across the day. These patterns suggest targeted strategies may be required to address specific crime types at particular times.

Comparing Bacton and Cotton to surrounding areas, Finningham and Wickham Skeith have reported no recorded crimes, highlighting a significant disparity in crime levels. Gislingham has a crime rate of 24.1 per 1,000, while Mendlesham shows a rate of 30.1 per 1,000. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of the challenges faced by Bacton and Cotton and the need for targeted interventions.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording incidents after they’ve occurred. However, in an area with a crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000, proactive protection is vital. scOS provides a different level of security. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS uses AI to detect threats before they escalate, watching all cameras simultaneously and verifying vehicle registrations instantly with the DVLA. The system learns your family’s routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, creating an element of surprise for potential intruders. The visible presence of scOS, with its multi-camera intelligence and autonomous response capabilities, acts as a powerful deterrent. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing crime at your property line is another.