Mid Suffolk Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Suffolk's overall crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents in February 2024 places it 60.6% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures highlights the area's relatively low crime profile, consistent with its rural character and lower population density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.7% of all reported incidents—significantly lower than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 (48% below). This category's dominance may reflect local dynamics such as smaller community sizes and limited nightlife venues, though seasonal factors like February's low outdoor activity likely contribute to the reduced frequency of property crimes. Criminal damage and arson followed at 11.5% of the total, another category where Mid Suffolk's rate is 44% below the UK average. Public order offences, at 8.6% of the total, also show a 59% deficit compared to national levels, possibly linked to the area's quieter, more spread-out settlements. The winter month's context—characterised by shorter days and reduced public gatherings—may partly explain the lower rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime, though these trends remain consistent with the area's general crime profile. While violent crime remains the largest category, its lower-than-average rate suggests effective local policing or community cohesion factors that warrant further exploration.

February 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting decreasing by 55% (from 20 to 9 incidents) and vehicle crime falling by 40% (15 to 9). These declines align with the winter lull in retail activity and reduced foot traffic in rural areas. Conversely, possession of weapons surged by 150% (4 to 10 incidents), a sharp increase that contrasts with the UK average rate of 0.1 per 1,000 (43% above). This spike, though small in absolute terms, warrants attention given its potential implications for community safety. Robbery also rose by 100% (0 to 1 incident), though this single occurrence remains an outlier. Other crime increased by 40% (5 to 7), suggesting emerging patterns that may require targeted local responses. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest category at 46.7% of the total, yet their rate of 1.3 per 1,000 is 48% below the UK average. This disparity underscores Mid Suffolk's generally safer environment, even as violent crime remains a focal point for local law enforcement. The reduction in anti-social behaviour by 30.8% (26 to 18 incidents) may reflect the seasonal slowdown in social interactions during colder months, though this trend should be monitored for consistency.

Mid Suffolk's crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 in February 2024 represents a 3.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 2.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight but sustained decline in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 11 reported crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the local context of a rural district with limited concentrated populations. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 354 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to similar population sizes. This statistic illustrates the area's relatively low crime density, even when considering its 110,775 residents. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that Mid Suffolk's crime profile is shaped by its dispersed settlements and lower urban density, which may naturally limit opportunities for certain types of crime. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the comparison to national figures must be contextualised within the area's unique geography and demographic composition. The slight month-on-month decline suggests that local efforts to maintain public safety may be bearing fruit, though continued monitoring will be essential to identify any emerging trends or challenges.