West Suffolk Crime Rate

West Suffolk is a safe and well-regarded district with an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 people, which sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 85/100, significantly higher than the national average of 79/100. Furthermore, the crime trend in West Suffolk is currently decreasing, with a 6.5% reduction in reported offences over the past year. This positive trajectory, combined with the district's high safety rating, makes it one of the more secure regions in the country. The following breakdown explores the specific types of crime reported and provides context for residents and homeowners.

West Suffolk is a diverse administrative district that combines historic market towns like Bury St Edmunds with vast rural landscapes and significant military installations. The area's characteristics are defined by its blend of residential, agricultural, and commercial zones. Major employers include the Greene King brewery and various logistics hubs, while the presence of RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath introduces a unique transient population of military personnel and their families.

The district's demographics are generally stable, but the influx of visitors to its historic sites and the activity around its transport corridors can influence crime statistics. While the urban centres experience typical town-centre issues like shoplifting and nightlife-related disorder, the rural expanses face different challenges such as agricultural theft. Economic factors in West Suffolk are generally positive, with relatively high employment rates, which contributes to its high safety score of 85/100. Understanding these diverse environments—from the bustling streets of Newmarket to the quiet villages of the Suffolk countryside—is key to interpreting the local crime data.

Crime in West Suffolk

The primary crime concern in West Suffolk is violence and sexual offences, which make up 44.9% of all reported incidents with 5,092 cases. Criminal damage and arson follow at 9.6%, with public order offences accounting for 7.5%. These figures show that nearly half of all police reports in the district involve personal safety issues.

Property-related crime in West Suffolk is notably lower than the national average, with a rate of 19.5 per 1,000 people. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Specifically, burglary accounts for 3.5% of total crime (402 incidents), while vehicle crime represents 3.6%. Shoplifting and 'other theft' also feature significantly in the district's commercial areas. For residents, the data suggests that while the district is generally safe, property protection remains an important consideration, particularly regarding criminal damage and opportunistic theft. Homeowners benefit from a lower-than-average burglary risk, but maintaining visible security measures is still advised to deter the 2.1 per 1,000 incidents that do occur.

The crime trend in West Suffolk is currently on a downward trajectory, with total reported offences decreasing by 6.5% year-over-year. This is a significant positive shift for the district. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated between a low of 4.2 per 1,000 in February and a peak of 5.9 per 1,000 in July.

The increase during the summer months is a common pattern, often linked to longer daylight hours and increased public activity. However, the overall annual decrease suggests that long-term safety strategies are working. For residents, this means the district is statistically becoming safer, though the summer peak indicates a time when slightly more vigilance might be appropriate. The drop back to 4.6 in November 2025 further reinforces the overall improving trend, providing reassurance that West Suffolk remains a secure environment for its population.

West Suffolk sits within a region of generally low crime. When compared to nearby areas, it remains a very safe option, although some adjacent districts like East Cambridgeshire, Mid Suffolk, and Babergh report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in the current period. Similarly, Breckland, Cambridge, and Braintree also show a 0.0 rate in this data. While West Suffolk's rate of 60.2 is higher than these specific figures, it is important to remember that it contains larger urban settlements like Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket, which naturally experience more activity than purely rural neighbours. Overall, West Suffolk maintains its reputation as a secure and peaceful part of the East of England.

Home security in West Suffolk should focus on maintaining the district's high safety standards through proactive prevention. Although the property crime rate is relatively low at 19.5 per 1,000 people, the impact of a burglary or act of criminal damage can be devastating. Traditional security measures, such as basic cameras or alarms, are often reactive—they tell you something has happened after the damage is done.

For residents who want to stay ahead of potential threats, scOS provides a more advanced alternative. As an AI-powered operating system, scOS monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles before a crime occurs. By using autonomous responses like smart lighting and audio alerts, it destroys the element of surprise that most criminals rely on. In a district like West Suffolk, where the goal is to preserve a safe environment, choosing a system that prioritises prevention over mere recording is the most effective way to protect your home and family. Visible, professional-grade security like scOS sends a clear message to opportunistic offenders: this property is proactively defended.

How To Keep Safe in West Suffolk

As violence and sexual offences represent the most common crime type in West Suffolk, accounting for nearly 45% of all reports, prioritising personal safety is essential for all residents. While the district is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your security.

When out in town centres like Bury St Edmunds or Newmarket, especially during the evening, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit main roads. If you are walking alone, avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone, as this can make you less aware of potential risks. Planning your transport in advance and staying with a group when possible are also highly effective strategies.

For broader regional safety, residents are encouraged to join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes, which foster community vigilance and provide direct links to local police updates. Additionally, ensuring your home and vehicle are always locked, even when you are nearby, helps prevent the opportunistic crimes that can occur even in low-crime areas. By combining personal awareness with community engagement, you can help maintain West Suffolk's status as a safe place to live and work.