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

Brandon (West Suffolk) recorded a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents in September 2023, placing it 37.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark deviation from the national norm underscores the area’s distinct crime profile. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.6% of all reported incidents (14 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.4%) and public order offences (14.3%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and disorderly conduct, which may be influenced by the seasonal transition into autumn and the start of the academic term. While violent crime rates were lower than the UK average (49% below), the category of 'other crime' stood out as an anomaly, reporting 114% above the UK average. This category encompasses a range of less-defined offences, which could include localised issues such as minor disturbances or unclassified incidents. The overall crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, reflecting a generally safer environment in Brandon compared to national trends. However, the elevated 'other crime' figure warrants closer examination to understand its drivers, particularly in light of September’s typical patterns of increased social activity and back-to-school dynamics.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Brandon. The most significant increase was in 'drugs' offences, which rose by 100% compared to August (from 0 to 1 incident). Similarly, 'possession of weapons' also doubled (0 to 1), indicating a possible uptick in illicit activity. Public order offences rose by 75%, from 4 to 7 cases, potentially linked to the start of the academic term and increased social gatherings. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 66.7%, dropping from 6 to 2 incidents, which may reflect reduced vehicle movement during the evening hours as students return to campus. Burglary also decreased by 50%, from 2 to 1 case, due to heightened community vigilance or seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category, declined by 30% from 20 to 14 cases—a drop that could be attributed to targeted policing efforts or the stabilisation of social dynamics post-holidays. The 'other crime' category, which is 114% above the UK average, remains a point of interest, as it suggests a need for further categorisation or investigation into the nature of these incidents. For residents, the consistent decline in vehicle and burglary-related crimes offers reassurance, though the rise in drugs and weapons offences highlights areas requiring attention.

Brandon’s crime rate in September 2023 dropped to 5.0 per 1,000 residents, an 18.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the broader trend of reduced crime during the transition from summer to autumn, a period often associated with lower outdoor activity and fewer tourists. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 reported crimes per day in September, a figure that, while modest, reflects the localised nature of incidents rather than a systemic issue. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 200 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic illustrates the relative safety of Brandon compared to national benchmarks, particularly when considering its population of 9,814. The lower crime rate is consistent with the area’s character as a built-up district within West Suffolk, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for crime. However, the elevated 'other crime' category remains a contrast to the overall trend, suggesting that specific local factors—such as unclassified incidents or niche issues—require further scrutiny. For residents, the data reinforces the perception of Brandon as a relatively secure area, though targeted interventions may still be necessary to address the anomalies observed in the 'other crime' and public order categories.