Bury St Edmunds Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bury St Edmunds' crime rate in October 2023 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 10% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.2% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 3.4 per 1,000 — 26% above the UK average. This category's prominence may partly explain the overall rate, as such crimes often escalate during darker evenings and holidays like Halloween. Criminal damage and arson followed closely, with a rate of 1.1 per 1,000, 75% above the UK average, likely tied to the area's historic buildings and seasonal events. Shoplifting also surged, at 1.0 per 1,000, 72% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased foot traffic during the month. The seasonal context of October — shorter days, the start of the festive season, and Halloween — could have influenced these patterns. Anti-social behaviour saw a 47.5% drop month-on-month, suggesting possible improvements in community policing or event management. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address high-risk categories while building on areas showing progress.

October 2023 saw a stark increase in bicycle theft, rising by 300% from one incident to four, a figure that may reflect heightened activity during darker evenings or Halloween-related events. Possession of weapons also spiked dramatically, with a 266.7% increase from three to 11 cases, a rise that could signal broader concerns about knife crime or unregulated gatherings. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 47.5%, from 59 to 31 incidents, a decline that might indicate effective community interventions or reduced public events. The crime mix shifted with property crimes (150) slightly edging out violent crimes (140), though both categories remained elevated compared to the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.4 per 1,000, were 26% above the UK rate, a disparity that may reflect local demographics or unmet policing needs. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson — at 1.1 per 1,000 — were 75% above the UK average, a figure that could be consistent with the area's historic architecture and seasonal festivals. These findings underscore the importance of addressing specific vulnerabilities, such as weapon possession, while leveraging opportunities in areas like anti-social behaviour reduction.

Bury St Edmunds' crime rate in October 2023 (8.8 per 1,000) marked a 14.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.3, a shift that may reflect seasonal adjustments or improved policing efforts. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 12 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while not immediately alarming, underscores the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly higher than the UK average but comparable to other similar-sized towns. This context is critical for residents: while the daily crime count appears manageable, the cumulative effect over a month highlights the importance of community engagement and targeted prevention. The population of 41,577 means that each resident is statistically more likely to encounter crime than in larger urban areas, where rates are often diluted. This perspective reinforces the value of localized strategies — such as increased patrols during high-risk periods or partnerships with local businesses — to mitigate the impact of crime on daily life.