Needham Market Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Needham Market, within Mid Suffolk, reveal a complex picture. With a crime rate of 50.4 per 1,000 residents annually (January 2025 – December 2025), the area sits above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the safety score is relatively high at 88 out of 100, the recent trend indicates an increase of 11.2% year-on-year. This rise suggests an evolving pattern of criminal activity within the community. Understanding the types of crimes occurring and their distribution is crucial for residents and local authorities to address these concerns and improve overall safety.

Needham Market exhibits a concerning pattern of crime, with Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent at 94 incidents, representing 39.5% of all recorded crimes. Following closely is Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 15.1% of incidents with 36 occurrences. Criminal damage and arson contribute 10.5% with 25 incidents, highlighting issues beyond theft and violent acts. Shoplifting is also a noticeable concern, with 20 reported incidents (8.4%). Overall property crime within Needham Market stands at 16.3 per 1,000 residents annually, indicating a vulnerability to property-related offences. While burglary is relatively low at 6 incidents, the higher rates of other theft and criminal damage suggest a broader issue of security and community safety.

The recent data reveals a concerning upward trend in crime rates within Needham Market. Crime has increased by 11.2% year-on-year. Specifically, January 2025 saw a rate of 4.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, which climbed to 5.9 per 1,000 in November 2025. While rates fluctuate month to month, with February 2025 seeing a relatively low rate of 1.3 per 1,000, the overall trajectory demonstrates a persistent increase, warranting further investigation and proactive measures to address the underlying causes.

How To Keep Safe in Needham Market

Given the prevalence of Violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. With Anti-social behaviour also a significant concern, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community vigilance. Due to the incidence of Criminal damage and arson, ensure valuable possessions are kept secure and out of sight. Finally, be mindful of your personal belongings and avoid displaying valuables in public to minimise the risk of theft.

Criminal activity in Needham Market exhibits varied patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequent during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), potentially coinciding with periods when homes are unoccupied. Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Vehicle crime is notably higher during the overnight period (12am - 6am), suggesting opportunities for opportunistic theft. Overall, the evening and night hours see a higher proportion of incidents, reflecting a need for increased vigilance and security measures during these times.

Needham Market's crime rate contrasts with that of its neighbours. Coddenham and Barking report zero crimes, highlighting significant variations within the region. Stowmarket, however, demonstrates a higher crime rate at 64.7 per 1,000 residents, while Stowupland mirrors Needham Market's rate more closely at 49.6 per 1,000. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding specific area dynamics when assessing safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a recording of events after they’ve occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. scOS, on the other hand, operates proactively. By utilising AI to analyse camera footage at the property boundary, it detects potential threats – such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals – before they even reach your home. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles with false plates, and the multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors all angles, eliminating blind spots. The visible presence of scOS’s professional-grade equipment acts as a strong deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions within those crucial first 60 seconds – the timeframe in which many burglaries are decided. If you’re serious about protecting your home in Needham Market, consider moving beyond reactive security and embracing a proactive solution.