Mid Suffolk Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Suffolk's crime rate in April 2023 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 54.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This relatively low rate reflects the area's character as a largely rural district with limited urban centres, where crime tends to be more dispersed and less concentrated in high-density zones. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.6% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.9%) and criminal damage and arson (12.6%). These figures align with the seasonal context of April, a time of year when Easter events and spring weather drive increased outdoor activity, potentially contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The data also shows a notable trend in property crime: while burglary rose slightly, other categories like vehicle crime and shoplifting remained significantly below UK averages. This pattern may be influenced by the district's rural nature, where retail areas are fewer and more spread out, reducing opportunities for certain types of theft. The overall crime profile suggests a community where violent crime is more prevalent than property crime, a dynamic that contrasts with major urban centres where property-related offences often dominate. However, the low overall rate underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies and the relatively stable social environment in Mid Suffolk.

April 2023 saw a 200% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This sharp rise, though still a small number, may reflect heightened awareness or specific events during the Easter period. Shoplifting also jumped 171.4%, with incidents rising from 7 to 19, likely driven by increased foot traffic in retail areas during spring. Burglary increased by 58.8%, from 17 to 27, potentially linked to seasonal patterns of home occupancy or targeted activity. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 66.7%, from 3 to 1, due to warmer weather reducing theft opportunities or improved security measures. The crime mix remains skewed toward violent offences, which account for 39.6% of all crimes, significantly below the UK average for this category (50% below). This suggests Mid Suffolk's profile is distinct from more densely populated areas where property crime often dominates.

Mid Suffolk's crime rate in April 2023 rose 11.6% compared to March's 3.0 per 1,000 residents, reaching 3.4 per 1,000. This monthly increase aligns with seasonal patterns typical of spring, when outdoor activity expands and local events draw visitors. On average, 12 crimes were reported daily in April, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a rural district where population density is lower than urban areas. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 296 residents, a metric that reflects the relatively low crime profile of the area despite the upward trend. While the rate remains 54.7% below the UK average, the increase suggests a need to monitor local factors such as Easter-related gatherings or changes in community engagement. The population context shows that even with the rise, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable within the district's demographic scale.