Needham Market Crime Rate

Needham Market is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 48.3 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. The area holds an impressive safety score of 89/100, well above the national benchmark of 78/100. However, the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 13.4% rise in total offences year-over-year. For a population of approximately 4,722, these statistics indicate a highly secure and peaceful living environment, though the recent upward trend suggests a need for increased local awareness. Understanding the specific nature of local crime, particularly anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, is essential for residents to maintain the town's high safety standards.

Needham Market Crime Analysis

In Needham Market, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.5% of all reports, at a rate of 19.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (14.9%), followed by criminal damage and arson at 13.2%. These figures suggest that interpersonal incidents and social order offences are the primary safety concerns in this urban settlement.

Property crime is a moderate factor for the local community, with an overall rate of 15.5 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (8.3%), other theft (5.3%), burglary (2.6%), and vehicle crime (1.8%). The property crime rate is lower than the UK average, indicating that residential and commercial assets face a standard level of risk from opportunistic theft. With 6 burglaries and 4 vehicle crimes reported last year, residents should still take home and vehicle security seriously. The combination of theft and criminal damage indicates a need for proactive monitoring to deter criminals before they can target properties in this small town.

Needham Market Crime Trends

The crime trend in Needham Market is currently increasing, with a 13.4% rise in total reported offences over the last year. While the overall crime rate remains very low, this double-digit percentage increase suggests that the town is experiencing a period of higher criminal activity than in previous years.

Monthly data shows some fluctuations throughout the year. Crime rates peaked in September 2025 at 5.5 per 1,000 people. Other high points occurred in December, May, and October at 4.9. The lowest rate was recorded in February 2025 at 1.3. These variations suggest that crime levels can fluctuate significantly in a small settlement. For Needham Market residents, this increasing trend and the September peak highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and maintaining robust security measures throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in [Area Name]

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Needham Market. Maintaining personal safety in this village settlement involves staying aware of your surroundings and taking sensible precautions, especially in the evening.

1. When walking in Needham Market at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid poorly lit shortcuts or isolated areas.
2. Given the high rate of anti-social behaviour, report any incidents to the local authorities; consistent reporting helps the police manage public spaces more effectively.
3. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight to reduce the risk of vehicle crime, which peaks during the night.
4. If you are walking alone, use personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted friends or family members.
5. Consider installing a smart doorbell or security lighting at your home to provide an extra layer of visibility and deterrence.
6. Be mindful of your belongings in communal town spaces and local shops, where opportunistic theft can occur.

Needham Market Crime Time Patterns

Analysis of crime timing in Needham Market reveals significant variations throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 45% of all crimes reported during these hours. In contrast, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up 19% of all reported incidents during this period.

Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are characterised by an exceptionally high percentage of 'Other' offences (68%), which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Burglary remains a consistent threat across all time periods, peaking at 12% of reports during the night. For residents, these patterns suggest that while daytime vigilance is needed for personal theft, the security of vehicles and the home perimeter is most critical during the overnight and evening periods. Proactive monitoring during these peak times is essential for effective deterrence.

Needham Market is a desirable small town within the Mid Suffolk area. Compared to its neighbours, Needham Market's crime rate of 48.3 is lower than Stowmarket (64.4) and very similar to Stowupland (47.6). Nearby areas like Barking and Coddenham report a rate of 0.0, highlighting the typical difference between urban and rural crime profiles. Needham Market's high safety score of 89/100 confirms its status as one of the most secure urban settlements in the district, offering a high quality of life with relatively low crime risk.

Proactive Security in Needham Market

With a property crime rate of 15.5 per 1,000 residents and a notable proportion of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, Needham Market homeowners should consider advanced security measures. Traditional security systems, such as recording-only CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive; they provide evidence after a crime or act of vandalism has occurred. In a peaceful town like Needham Market, the goal should be to prevent these incidents from happening in the first place.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it identifies threats. The system's multi-camera intelligence can distinguish between a local resident and someone loitering near your property or vehicle with intent. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible alerts, to deter individuals instantly. For Needham Market residents, this proactive approach is the most effective way to safeguard their homes and maintain the town's quiet character, moving beyond simple recording to active crime prevention.