Brandon Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Brandon (West Suffolk) maintained a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents, 24.7% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This performance positions the area as relatively safer than the national average, though the month's data reveals a nuanced picture of crime distribution. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.3% of all crimes, a share that, while significant, remains 24% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 13.3%, also well below the national benchmark. The balance between property and violent crime in August saw property-related incidents (26 cases) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (20 cases), a shift that may reflect seasonal dynamics. August, as a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and empty homes, factors that could contribute to property crime trends. The area's lower crime rate compared to the UK suggests a combination of local characteristics—such as a smaller, more tightly knit community or effective policing strategies—that may help mitigate criminal activity. However, the data also shows that certain categories, like vehicle crime, are rising. With 6 incidents reported, vehicle crime in Brandon exceeds the UK average by 22%, indicating a potential vulnerability in this area. This trend may be linked to increased traffic during the summer or the presence of commuter routes, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. The overall picture illustrates a community that, while generally secure, faces specific challenges that require targeted attention.

August 2023 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with violent crime falling by 25.9% to 20 incidents, while property-related offences rose. Other thefts jumped 400% from 1 to 5 cases, a sharp increase that may partly explain the overall crime rate's rise. Vehicle crime also doubled, reaching 6 cases, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 22%. This spike in vehicle-related offences could be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased travel during the peak holiday period. Meanwhile, violent crime remains significantly below the UK average, with a rate of 2.0 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.6 per 1,000. The shift in crime balance—property crimes (43%) outpacing violent ones (33%)—suggests a local dynamic where economic or environmental factors may be driving non-violent incidents. Residents should note the 400% surge in other thefts, a change that could indicate shifts in criminal activity patterns during the summer months.

Brandon's crime rate in August 2023 rose by 17.5% compared to July's 5.2 per 1,000, reaching 6.1 per 1,000. This upward trend contrasts with the area's overall position below the UK average, but highlights the need for continued vigilance. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported per day in August, a figure that, while low, reflects the area's generally secure environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 164 residents, a statistic that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure rate is particularly useful for residents assessing risk in their daily lives. The population of 9,814 provides a baseline for understanding how these figures scale, though the relatively small number of crimes suggests that most residents remain unaffected. Comparing this to the UK average, Brandon's overall rate remains 24.7% lower, but the month-on-month increase indicates a shift in local patterns that may warrant closer attention.