Brandon (West Suffolk) Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Brandon (West Suffolk) recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in April 2023, placing it 24% below the UK average of 7.5. This figure underscores the area’s relatively safer profile compared to the national picture. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 50% of all reported incidents—28 cases in total. This category’s rate (2.9 per 1,000) was 12% above the UK average, suggesting a unique local factor that may relate to community dynamics or policing priorities. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime (14.3% of total), was 32% below the UK average, potentially reflecting lower prevalence or more effective local interventions. The seasonal context of April—Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have influenced crime patterns, though the overall downward trend from the previous month’s rate of 8.6 per 1,000 indicates a broader shift. Property crimes, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, were lower than UK averages, with shoplifting at 17% below and vehicle crime at 56% below. This could be linked to Brandon’s built-up area status within West Suffolk, where retail presence might drive some property crimes but be offset by local initiatives. The data highlights a combination of factors, with violence and sexual offences emerging as a critical focus for local authorities. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the 12% disparity in violent crime underscores the need for targeted strategies to address this specific challenge, particularly during periods of increased public interaction.

April 2023 saw a stark 40.4% decrease in violence and sexual offences, falling from 47 to 28 incidents. This decline may partly reflect the Easter holiday period, which often reduces public gatherings and associated risks. Conversely, drugs-related crimes surged by 100%, with two incidents reported—a sharp rise from zero in March. This increase could signal emerging local issues or shifts in policing focus. Anti-social behaviour, which made up 14.3% of crimes, remained 32% below the UK average, suggesting effective community measures or lower prevalence in this area. Meanwhile, robbery rates jumped 122% above the UK average, with two incidents recorded, a figure that may warrant closer scrutiny given its rarity nationally. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns, influenced by both local conditions and broader trends.

Brandon’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 33.3% decline from the previous month’s rate of 8.6 per 1,000. This drop aligns with seasonal patterns typical of spring, when increased daylight and outdoor activity may shift crime dynamics. Locally, the average resident faced a 1-in-175 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the month, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 9,814. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day, a rate that reflects the overall downward trend. When compared to the UK average, Brandon’s lower crime rate suggests a relatively safer environment, though this must be considered alongside the area’s specific characteristics, such as its rural-urban mix and local community structures. The contrast with the UK average is particularly notable in violent crimes, which in Brandon were 12% above the national rate, indicating a unique local challenge that warrants further analysis.