Mendlesham Crime Rate

Crime in Mendlesham

Mendlesham is a very safe urban settlement, with an overall crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area an impressive safety score of 91/100. However, the crime trend in Mendlesham is currently increasing, with a 33.3% rise in total offences over the past year. While this is a notable increase, the overall crime rate remains very low, indicating that Mendlesham is still one of the more secure places to live in the region. For the 2,431 people living in Mendlesham, the data suggests a very safe residential environment. Understanding the local crime breakdown and time patterns can help residents maintain this high level of safety. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the statistics for Mendlesham.

Crime Breakdown in Mendlesham

Mendlesham is a very safe urban settlement where violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 53.8% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 17.7 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson is the second most frequent issue at 15.0%, followed by other theft and public order, both at 10.0%. These figures indicate that community-level disturbances and personal safety are the primary focus for the local area.

Property-related crime in Mendlesham—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a low combined rate of 9.9 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson (15.0%) and other theft (10.0%) are the most significant contributors to this category. Burglary and vehicle crime are very low, each representing 2.5% of the total crime volume. For residents, this suggests a very secure environment where the risk of home invasion or vehicle theft is minimal. However, the relatively high rate of criminal damage indicates that perimeter security and vandalism deterrents are still beneficial for maintaining property standards.

Mendlesham Crime Trends

The crime trend in Mendlesham is currently increasing, with a 33.3% year-over-year rise in total offences. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuate, ranging between 1.7 and 4.9 per 1,000 residents.

The highest activity was recorded in October 2025 (4.9) and May 2025 (4.1), while the lowest activity was seen in September 2025 (1.7) and February/March 2025 (2.1). This overall upward trend, while based on a low volume of crime, suggests that residents should remain vigilant. Despite the increase, Mendlesham remains a very safe environment with a crime rate that is approximately 65% lower than the national average. The minor monthly variations are typical for an area with low crime figures.

How To Keep Safe in Mendlesham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Mendlesham. To stay safe, it is advisable to walk in well-lit areas and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone in more isolated parts of the settlement. Sharing your location with friends or family can also provide an extra layer of security.

Criminal damage and arson is the second most common issue in the area. To protect your property, consider installing motion-sensor lighting and ensuring that your home and any outbuildings are securely locked. Anti-social behaviour is also a minor local factor; if you encounter such behaviour, report it to the local police or Mid Suffolk District Council. For vehicle owners, always ensure that your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display, as these can attract opportunistic thieves even in low-crime areas. Finally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can help you stay informed about any specific issues in your immediate area and contribute to the community's overall safety.

Mendlesham Time Patterns

Crime in Mendlesham shows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most prominent issue, accounting for 47% of crimes. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the dominant factor at 52%, while burglary rates increase to 11%.

The evening (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with other crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, peaking at 63%. The most notable pattern occurs during the night (12am-6am), where other crimes remain high at 53%, but vehicle crime reaches 22% and burglary is at 14%. This suggests that while Mendlesham is safe overall, properties and vehicles are more vulnerable during the night hours. Residents are advised to ensure all entry points are securely locked overnight and to remain vigilant during the daytime when opportunistic theft is more likely to occur.

Nearby Area Comparison

Mendlesham is one of the safer urban settlements in the region. When compared to nearby areas such as Wetheringsett (35.3), Wickham Skeith (0.0), Bacton and Cotton (33.0), and Thorndon (0.0), Mendlesham maintains a strong safety position. While some immediate neighbours report no crime, Mendlesham's rate of 32.9 is very low compared to both regional and national averages. For those living in the region, Mendlesham offers a high level of security and a relatively stable safety profile within the Mid Suffolk local authority area.

Proactive Security in Mendlesham

Mendlesham has a very low property crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents. However, criminal damage and other theft are the most frequent property offences. For homeowners, the goal is to maintain the area's high safety standards by preventing opportunistic crime before it occurs. Traditional security systems, such as doorbell cameras or basic CCTV, are reactive; they notify you after an event has happened or provide footage for evidence. In an area with an increasing crime trend, proactive prevention is even more important.

scOS provides a proactive security solution by using AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between normal activity and a potential threat, such as someone loitering near your home or outbuildings. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with lights and speakers, deterring the intruder before they can cause damage or attempt a break-in. In a settlement like Mendlesham, where burglary and vehicle crime are rare, proactive prevention ensures that your home remains a hard target, preserving the secure character of the neighbourhood.