Mid Suffolk Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Suffolk's crime profile in July 2023 reveals a marked contrast to the UK average, with an overall rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents—56.6% below the national figure. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.3% of all reported crimes. This dominance of violent crime over property-related offences is unusual, as UK data typically shows property crimes as the most frequent. The 1.6 per 1,000 rate for violence and sexual offences is 42% below the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect the area's demographic makeup or policing strategies. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 14.8%, with a 65% deficit compared to the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement in preventing disorder. The summer season, with schools closed and tourism at its peak, likely influenced crime patterns. While festivals and outdoor events may drive some incidents, the overall low rate indicates that local initiatives—such as community policing or youth programmes—may be contributing to the area's relative safety. The absence of significant property crime spikes, despite the tourist season, contrasts with coastal resorts where shoplifting and vehicle theft often surge. This divergence could be due to Mid Suffolk's rural character, where fewer retail hubs and a more dispersed population might limit opportunities for such crimes. The data also shows a notable gap between local and national trends in violent crime, a pattern that warrants further exploration into regional differences in criminal behaviour.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 400% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This spike, while small in absolute terms, signals a notable shift in reported criminal behaviour. Burglary also rose by 46.7% (15 to 22), suggesting potential vulnerabilities in residential security during the summer months. Conversely, drugs-related offences fell by 58.3% (12 to 5), possibly reflecting seasonal changes in drug use patterns or increased enforcement efforts. Vehicle crime increased by 16.7% (12 to 14), aligning with typical summer trends where open spaces and festivals may contribute to such incidents. The area's violent crime rate (1.6 per 1,000) remains 42% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national profile. For residents, the 400% rise in weapons possession highlights a specific concern that may warrant community awareness initiatives.

Mid Suffolk's crime rate remained stable in July 2023, matching the previous month's 3.6 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity, though the composition of crimes has evolved. Locally, 13 crimes were reported daily on average—a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 282 residents, a measure that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to national averages. With a population of 110,775, this monthly exposure places the area in a position where crime remains a rare occurrence for most individuals. The stability contrasts with broader UK trends, where July typically sees spikes in property crime linked to summer tourism. However, Mid Suffolk's data shows a distinct pattern, with violent crimes dominating the landscape rather than property-related offences, a divergence that may reflect local demographics or policing priorities.