Mid Suffolk Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Suffolk’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 52.8% below the UK average of 7.2. This stark contrast with national levels underscores the area’s generally low crime profile, though the month saw a significant rise in violence and sexual offences, which now account for nearly half of all reported crimes. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, increased by 57.7% compared to November, a jump that may partly explain the overall rate’s upward trend. Seasonal factors—such as the Christmas shopping peak, extended dark evenings, and the presence of empty homes during the holiday season—likely played a role in shaping these patterns. Despite this, Mid Suffolk remains a relatively safe area, with property crimes (including burglary and criminal damage) remaining well below UK averages. The area’s rural character, with limited urban density, may contribute to lower rates of theft from the person and vehicle crime, though the recent spike in bicycle theft (now 67% above the UK average) suggests new dynamics at play. The breakdown also reveals consistent underperformance in categories like anti-social behaviour and drugs, which are 78% and 100% below UK averages respectively, pointing to broader societal trends that may warrant further exploration.

December 2023 marked a sharp 57.7% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 111 to 175 incidents—a figure that now accounts for 47.2% of all crimes recorded. This surge, though still 39% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, raises questions about seasonal factors such as holiday gatherings and reduced visibility during dark evenings. Bicycle theft also saw a 100% increase, jumping from zero to five incidents, a category that is now 67% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 40%, declining from 15 to 9 cases, possibly reflecting reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the festive season. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 20.8%, aligning with a broader trend of 78% below the UK average. These shifts highlight the combination of local activity patterns and national benchmarks, with some categories like vehicle crime (78% below UK average) remaining consistently low.

Mid Suffolk's crime rate in December 2023 rose by 31.9% compared to November 2023, reflecting a shift from 2.5 to 3.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains significantly below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics show 12 reported incidents per day in December, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 299 residents—a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime compared to national benchmarks. When scaled to Mid Suffolk’s population of 110,775, the monthly total of 371 crimes translates to a manageable level of exposure for most residents, though the rise in violent crime warrants attention. The area’s rural character, with limited urban density, likely contributes to the lower baseline rates observed, though the recent increase in violence challenges this pattern.