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

Brandon (West Suffolk) recorded a crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 in October 2024, placing it 7.4% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This improvement, though modest, reflects a combination of sustained efforts and seasonal factors. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46% of all reported incidents—3.5 per 1,000 residents. This rate, while 31% above the UK average, is consistent with the area’s profile as a built-up town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where late-night activity and seasonal transitions like Halloween may contribute to increased interpersonal conflicts. Criminal damage and arson followed closely, making up 13.5% of total crimes, and was 69% above the UK average. This spike could be linked to the area’s seasonal context, as darker evenings and the start of the festive period may encourage vandalism. Other theft and public order offences also showed notable discrepancies from national averages, suggesting that local conditions—such as the absence of major retail hubs or tourist attractions—play a role in shaping crime patterns. The overall picture, however, remains one of relative safety compared to the UK, with certain categories like vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour significantly below national levels. This suggests that while Brandon faces challenges in managing violent and property-related crimes, its unique demographic and geographic characteristics help mitigate broader trends observed nationally.

October 2024 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with bicycle theft and other crimes surging by 100% compared to September. This jump in bicycle theft, from 1 to 2 incidents, aligns with Halloween’s proximity, where increased foot traffic and costume-related distractions may have created opportunities for theft. Conversely, burglary dropped by 50%, from 2 to 1 incident, possibly reflecting heightened community vigilance or improved security measures. The violent crime category, which accounted for 46% of all reported crimes, was 31% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences making up 3.5 per 1,000. This rate, though alarming, is consistent with Brandon’s character as a built-up area where late-night activity and seasonal transitions may amplify interpersonal conflicts. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell 57% below the UK average, a trend likely tied to the area’s lower density of parked vehicles compared to urban centres.

Brandon's crime rate in October 2024 (7.5 per 1,000) edged up by 2.7% from the previous month's 7.3 per 1,000, reflecting a modest uptick in overall activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent nature of local issues. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 133 residents, a statistic that situates the area's monthly exposure in a broader demographic context. This rate, though slightly higher than the UK average, is tempered by the fact that certain categories—such as vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour—are significantly below national levels. The comparison highlights a nuanced picture: while Brandon's population faces a slightly elevated risk compared to the previous month, the distribution of crime types reveals pockets of strength in reducing specific offences. This duality suggests that targeted local initiatives may be contributing to the suppression of certain crime categories, even as others remain under scrutiny.