Mid Suffolk Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Suffolk's crime rate in January 2024 stood at 2.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 60.8% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistently low crime profile for the district, which is characteristic of a largely rural area with a mix of small towns and open countryside. The most common crimes reported were violence and sexual offences (43.6% of all incidents), followed by other theft (9.5%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). These patterns align with the area's demographic and geographic profile, where rural isolation may contribute to different crime dynamics compared to urban centres. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday periods, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall—likely influenced the crime profile. For instance, the lower incidence of shoplifting compared to peak shopping seasons may be attributed to reduced consumer activity. However, the data also shows that violent crime remains the most prevalent category, which may be linked to the district's population distribution and local social dynamics. Despite these factors, Mid Suffolk's crime rates remain significantly below national averages across most categories, suggesting effective community policing and a generally safe environment for residents. The relatively low levels of vehicle crime and theft from the person further reinforce the area's distinct crime profile, which differs from more densely populated regions where such offences are more common.

January 2024 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with shoplifting incidents surging by 122.2% compared to December. This jump from 9 to 20 cases suggests a potential shift in criminal focus, possibly linked to post-holiday retail activity or changes in store security protocols. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour increased by 36.8%, reflecting a 26% rise in incidents from 19 to 26. This category's 80% below UK average rate indicates a relatively stable community environment despite the increase. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 60.0%, dropping from 5 to 2 cases. This decline may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as reduced cycling activity during colder months. The overall crime mix remains heavily skewed towards violent crimes, which accounted for 43.6% of all incidents in January. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, were 50% below the UK average, underscoring Mid Suffolk's consistently lower violent crime rates compared to national benchmarks. Residents may find the 80% below UK average rate for vehicle crime particularly reassuring, as this category dropped from 3 to 1 case in January.

Mid Suffolk's crime rate in January 2024 fell by 12.2% compared to December 2023, dropping from 3.4 to 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical January patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the area recorded 11 crimes per day in January, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 326 incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 340 residents, a metric that highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in a community of 110,775 people. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when compared to national averages, though no UK-specific daily or monthly exposure figures are available for direct comparison. The drop in violent crime, which fell by 18.2% compared to the previous month, may reflect seasonal factors such as post-holiday calm or reduced social gatherings during colder weather. However, the increase in shoplifting by 122.2% suggests shifts in criminal activity patterns that warrant closer examination of local retail security measures.