Stowmarket Crime Rate

Stowmarket is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 64.3 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.1. The area holds a strong safety score of 84/100, well above the national benchmark of 78/100. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a minor 1.5% increase year-over-year. For a population of approximately 21,290, these statistics indicate a secure living environment within the Mid Suffolk local authority. While the overall figures are positive, the town's role as a major social and commercial hub means that certain types of crime, such as shoplifting and interpersonal incidents, are more prevalent. Understanding these local patterns is essential for residents to take effective precautions and maintain the area's safety standards.

Stowmarket Crime Analysis

In Stowmarket, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.2% of all reports, at a rate of 29.7 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common issue (8.8%), followed by public order offences at 8.5%. These figures suggest that interpersonal incidents and commercial order offences are the primary safety concerns in this urban settlement.

Property crime is a significant factor for the local community, with an overall rate of 18.9 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (8.8%), other theft (5.7%), burglary (2.5%), and vehicle crime (2.0%). 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 34 burglaries and 28 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 busy town.

Stowmarket Crime Trends

The crime trend in Stowmarket is currently stable, with a minor 1.5% increase in total reported offences over the last year. This suggests that while there has been a slight rise in activity, the overall safety levels in the town have remained relatively consistent for the local population.

Monthly data shows some fluctuations throughout the year. Crime rates peaked in July 2025 at 7.8 per 1,000 people, with another high point in August and October at 6.1. The lowest rate was recorded in December 2024 at 3.5. These variations suggest that crime levels are significantly higher during the summer months, a common pattern in many urban settlements. For Stowmarket residents, this stable trend means that safety levels are generally being maintained, though the summer peak highlights the importance of remaining vigilant during the warmer months.

How To Keep Safe in [Area Name]

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Stowmarket. Maintaining personal safety in this urban settlement requires awareness, especially in busy commercial areas and near transport hubs.

1. When using Stowmarket station or walking in the town centre at night, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Given the high rate of shoplifting and other theft, be extra mindful of your belongings in busy retail areas and supermarkets.
3. Ensure your car is always locked and valuables are out of sight to reduce the risk of vehicle crime, which peaks during the night.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities; consistent reporting helps the police manage public spaces more effectively.
5. If you are walking alone, avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone, so you can remain fully aware of who is around you.
6. Consider installing a proactive security system at your home to deter opportunistic intruders and protect your property.

Stowmarket Crime Time Patterns

Analysis of crime timing in Stowmarket reveals significant variations throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 46% of all crimes reported during these hours. This likely correlates with high volumes of shoppers and commercial activity. In contrast, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up 21% of all reported incidents during this period.

Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are characterised by an exceptionally high percentage of 'Other' offences (64%), which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Burglary remains a consistent threat across all time periods, peaking at 17% 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.

Stowmarket is a primary urban centre within the Mid Suffolk area. Compared to its neighbours, Stowmarket's crime rate of 64.3 is higher than Needham Market (48.3) and Stowupland (47.6). Nearby areas like Great Finborough report a rate of 0.0, highlighting the typical difference between urban and rural crime profiles. Stowmarket's safety score of 84/100 confirms it as a generally secure location, despite its higher crime density compared to the immediate surrounding countryside. It remains a popular and secure choice for residents in the heart of Suffolk.

Proactive Security in Stowmarket

Stowmarket's property crime rate of 18.9 per 1,000 residents is a significant statistic that highlights the risk of opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems, such as recording-only CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive; they provide evidence after a crime has occurred but do little to prevent it. In a town with notable shoplifting and theft rates, stopping an incident before it starts is the most effective way to protect your property.

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 delivery driver and someone loitering near your home or vehicle. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible alerts, to deter criminals instantly. For Stowmarket residents, this proactive approach is essential for safeguarding homes and cars, moving beyond simple recording to active crime prevention in a busy urban environment.