Brandon (West Suffolk) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw an unexpected surge in shoplifting and other crime in Brandon (West Suffolk), with both categories doubling compared to January. This spike contrasts sharply with the area's overall crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents—51.6% below the UK average of 6.4. While violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category (accounting for 40% of all crimes), the sharp rise in shoplifting (3 incidents) and other crime (2 incidents) challenges seasonal expectations for a low-population built-up area. February, typically a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, usually sees lower crime levels, yet the doubling of shoplifting cases suggests an anomaly. This may reflect local factors such as changes in retail patterns or temporary disruptions in local security measures. Violence and sexual offences. from January, still represent the largest single category, potentially linked to the area's demographic profile as a small town with limited nightlife infrastructure. The crime mix in Brandon reflects a balance between property-related offences (46.7%) and violent crimes (40%), with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also contributing. The area's low crime rate compared to the UK average aligns with its rural-adjacent character, though the unexpected spikes in shoplifting and other crime warrant closer examination of local retail and community dynamics. Seasonal factors, such as pre-spring lulls, may have contributed to some trends, but the specific rise in shoplifting requires further context, as it is unusual for a low-density area to see such rapid increases in this category.

February 2026 marked a sharp 100% increase in shoplifting and other crime compared to January, with both categories doubling to 3 and 2 incidents respectively. This surge in shoplifting is particularly noteworthy given Brandon's rural-adjacent character, where such offences are typically less common. Meanwhile, violent crimes fell by 58.6% (from 29 to 12 incidents), a drop that may reflect seasonal patterns or the area's limited nightlife and public spaces. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast with UK averages: shoplifting is 48% below the national rate, while other theft is 19% above. Anti-social behaviour is also 78% below the UK average, a figure that aligns with Brandon's small-town profile and potentially lower levels of public disorder. The property-to-violent crime ratio (46.7% vs 40%) suggests a focus on theft and damage rather than interpersonal violence, though the exact reasons for this balance remain unclear. A resident would find the 100% increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it represents a significant shift in local crime patterns. The sharp decline in burglary (down 85.7%) and public order offences (down 66.7%) further underscores the volatility of crime trends in the area, with no single factor clearly explaining these changes.

Brandon's crime rate in February 2026 (3.1 per 1,000 residents) represents a 49.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.0, a dramatic shift that highlights the variability of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 1 crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that is low compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the population of 9,814, this translates to 1 reported crime for every 327 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that suggests a relatively safe environment for residents. However, the 100% increase in shoplifting and other crime compared to January raises questions about the factors influencing these specific categories. The monthly exposure rate of 1-in-327 residents is a useful benchmark for understanding risk, though it must be contextualised within the area's low population density and rural-adjacent character. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average, which is not directly comparable due to differences in population size and local infrastructure. The stark contrast between Brandon's low overall crime rate and the sharp increases in specific categories illustrates the need for nuanced analysis of local trends, rather than relying solely on aggregated statistics.