Bury St Edmunds Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2024, Bury St Edmunds recorded 335 crimes for a population of 41,577, translating to a crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents. This rate is 14.1% higher than the UK average of 7.1, a disparity that reflects the unique characteristics of this built-up area within West Suffolk. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40% of all incidents—3.2 per 1,000 residents, 28% above the UK average. This elevated rate may be linked to the area’s historic town centre and surrounding residential zones, where social interactions and community dynamics could contribute to higher levels of interpersonal conflict. Criminal damage and arson followed closely, making up 11.9% of total crimes at a rate of 1.0 per 1,000—85% above the UK average. This spike could be influenced by seasonal factors, as February’s low outdoor activity and colder temperatures may drive more incidents indoors or in less monitored spaces. Public order offences, at 7.8% of total crimes, also exceeded the UK average by 22%, reflecting the impact of winter conditions on public spaces. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited daylight and pre-spring lull—likely plays a role in these patterns, though local factors such as the area’s mix of historic and modern infrastructure may further shape crime trends. The data underscores the need to consider both geographic and temporal variables when analysing crime rates in Bury St Edmunds.

February 2024 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, most vehicle crime, which rose by 137.5% from 8 to 19 incidents. This jump aligns with seasonal patterns, as winter months often see increased vehicle-related crimes due to harsher weather conditions and reduced visibility. Theft from the person also rose sharply, doubling from 4 to 9 cases—a 125% increase that may reflect heightened caution or specific incidents during the month. Public order offences rose by 36.8%, from 19 to 26, a shift that could be linked to the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, with more incidents occurring in enclosed spaces or public venues. The area’s rate for drugs offences is 186% above the UK average, a figure that highlights a significant disparity in this category. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 39.3%, from 28 to 17, suggesting a possible reduction in community tensions or effective local interventions. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns in a built-up area where seasonal and demographic factors intersect.

In February 2024, Bury St Edmunds recorded a crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 7.8. This translates to approximately 12 crimes reported daily, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity in a built-up area with a population of 41,577. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 124 residents—a monthly exposure rate that provides context for how frequently crime intersects with daily life in this part of West Suffolk. When compared to the UK average, the area’s rate is 14.1% higher, though this must be viewed within the framework of local demographics and geographic factors. The built-up nature of Bury St Edmunds, with its mix of historic town centre and surrounding residential areas, likely contributes to patterns that diverge from national averages, particularly in categories like violence and criminal damage. While the daily crime count remains a snapshot, the monthly exposure figure underscores the need for ongoing analysis of how local conditions shape crime trends.