Mid Suffolk Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Suffolk continues to demonstrate a significantly lower crime rate than the UK average, with August 2023 recording 3.5 crimes per 1,000 residents—56.8% below the national figure of 8.1. This sustained safety trend aligns with the area’s character as a largely rural district with limited urban density, where crime patterns often reflect seasonal rhythms rather than persistent socioeconomic challenges. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 37.2% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.2%) and other theft (9.6%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for similar categories, where violence and sexual offences are 51% higher and anti-social behaviour is 58% higher. August, as a peak holiday month, typically sees shifts in crime dynamics: tourism may contribute to transient issues like public order offences, while the closure of schools and businesses could reduce opportunities for certain crimes. However, the data suggests a combination of factors, with property crimes remaining low—shoplifting, for example, is 83% below the UK average, reflecting strong local retail security measures. The overall picture illustrates a community where proactive policing and environmental design may help mitigate risks, though the seasonal context highlights the need for continued vigilance during periods of increased visitor activity.

August 2023 saw several notable decreases, with possession of weapons falling by 40% (from 5 to 3) and other crime dropping by 37.5% (from 16 to 10). These declines, particularly in weapon-related incidents, may partly explain the area’s continued position well below UK averages for categories like burglary (71% below) and bicycle theft (100% below). However, the month also revealed concerning upward trends: drug-related offences surged by 80% (from 5 to 9), while public order offences rose by 50% (from 22 to 33). The increase in public order incidents, though still below the UK average (50% lower), could signal heightened tensions during the summer tourist season. Shoplifting also rose by 45.5% (from 11 to 16), though it remains 83% below the UK average. For residents, the most immediately relevant finding is the sharp drop in weapon possession, which may reflect targeted enforcement efforts or reduced availability of illicit substances. This contrast between falling and rising crime types underscores the need for tailored strategies that address both persistent issues and emerging challenges.

August 2023’s crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 represents a 2.3% decrease from July’s 3.6, reflecting a slight but consistent downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 12 crimes per day—well below the UK’s typically higher frequency. When scaled to the population of 110,775, the monthly exposure figure shows that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 288 residents over the course of the month. This ratio, while illustrative of the area’s low crime environment, should be contextualised within Mid Suffolk’s rural character, where sparse population density naturally limits opportunities for certain types of crime. Comparing this to the UK average, the area’s performance is striking: even categories like public order offences, which are often associated with urban centres, are 50% below the national rate. The demographic context—characterised by a mix of agricultural land, small towns, and tourist attractions—likely contributes to this disparity, as rural areas tend to see fewer incidents of violent crime and property theft. The comparison also highlights the importance of local factors: while August’s tourism season may temporarily elevate some crime types, the overall safety record suggests that Mid Suffolk’s policing and community engagement strategies are effectively mitigating risks.