Brandon (West Suffolk) Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Brandon's crime profile in July 2024, accounting for 32.7% of all reported incidents. This category, at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, is 37% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000, reflecting the area's relatively low levels of violent crime compared to national trends. The prominence of violence and sexual offences in Brandon's crime mix aligns with the town's character as a built-up area with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where interpersonal conflicts may occur more frequently than in rural settings. Seasonal factors likely influenced this pattern, as July is a peak month for tourism and festivals, which can heighten social interactions and increase the risk of disputes. Despite the rise in other theft (166.7% increase), the overall crime rate remains 33.3% below the UK average, underscoring the effectiveness of local policing and community initiatives in maintaining safety. The UK average for other theft is 0.6 per 1,000, compared to Brandon's 0.8 per 1,000, indicating that while theft is a growing concern in the area, it remains relatively contained compared to national standards. The dominance of violent crime in Brandon's statistics suggests a focus on addressing interpersonal disputes and ensuring public safety in high-traffic areas, such as the town centre and event venues. The low rate of vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.5 per 1,000) further highlights the area's compact layout and limited reliance on motor vehicles, which may reduce opportunities for such offences. These trends, combined with the area's population of 9,814, illustrate the unique challenges and successes of crime management in a small built-up area within West Suffolk.

July 2024 saw a stark 166.7% increase in other theft, rising from 3 to 8 incidents—a jump that outpaced all other crime category changes. This surge, coupled with a 100% increase in drug-related crimes, contrasts with a 75% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 12 to 3. The shift in crime mix reflects a 12.7% share for public order offences, a category that remains significantly above the UK average by 9%. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, at 12.7% of total crimes, is 52% below the UK average, suggesting local efforts may be curbing disruptive conduct. For residents, the 166.7% rise in other theft—though still a small absolute number—highlights the need for vigilance in areas with transient populations, such as tourist hotspots or event venues. The category's UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, compared to Brandon's 0.8 per 1,000, indicates a localised challenge in managing theft incidents during peak tourist periods. The 75% decline in criminal damage and arson may partly reflect heightened police and community engagement during summer festivals. The rise in drug-related crimes, from 0 to 1 incident, introduces a new concern for local authorities, linked to temporary population shifts or increased social activity in the area.

Brandon's crime rate in July 2024 fell to 5.6 per 1,000 residents, a 24.7% decline from June's 7.4 per 1,000. This reduction positions the area well below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The daily crime count of approximately 2 incidents per day aligns with the built-up character of Brandon, where lower volumes of crime are typical compared to densely populated urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 178 residents—a figure that contextualises the scale of crime relative to the area's population of 9,814. This monthly exposure rate, while modest, underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies in maintaining low crime levels. The built-up nature of the area, with its mix of residential and commercial zones, likely contributes to the balance between public order and property crime, as well as the relatively low incidence of vehicle-related offences compared to larger towns. The stability in daily crime figures suggests a consistent pattern of activity, though seasonal variations—such as the influx of visitors during July festivals—may have temporarily influenced reporting rates. The contrast between Brandon's low vehicle crime rate (0.2 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.5 per 1,000) highlights the area's limited reliance on transport infrastructure and its focus on pedestrian-friendly spaces. This dynamic, combined with the town's compact layout, may reduce opportunities for vehicle-related crimes while encouraging community engagement in public areas.