Bury St Edmunds Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bury St Edmunds recorded a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, placing it 10.5% above the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This figure, while higher than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.3% of all incidents, with a rate of 3.7 per 1,000—43% above the UK average. This concentration of violent crime may be partly explained by the area's status as a market town with a mix of residential and commercial activity, where late-night retail and hospitality sectors can contribute to higher rates of assault and disorder. Shoplifting, the second most common offence, saw a notable 50% decrease compared to October, potentially influenced by the timing of Black Friday, which often sees both increased retail crime and targeted policing efforts. However, this decline was offset by a 36.4% rise in criminal damage and arson, which may be linked to the timing of Bonfire Night celebrations, a local tradition that can sometimes lead to incidents of vandalism. The data also reveals stark contrasts in performance relative to the UK average: while anti-social behaviour and burglary rates are below national levels, drug-related crimes are 92% higher than the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in this area. These patterns highlight the importance of contextualising crime statistics within the unique characteristics of Bury St Edmunds, including its historical significance, tourism appeal, and the seasonal rhythms that shape local activity.

The most significant decline in November was the 50% reduction in shoplifting, with reported cases halving from 72 to 36. This drop may be linked to the timing of Black Friday sales, which often see spikes in retail crime but were possibly mitigated by increased policing or merchant precautions. Conversely, robbery incidents surged by 200%, rising from one to three cases, a sharp increase that warrants attention given the low base rate. Drug-related crimes also rose by 83.3%, from 12 to 22, a trend that contrasts with the UK average, where Bury St Edmunds' rate is 92% above the national figure. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 20.7%, from 29 to 23, reflecting the impact of community initiatives or seasonal changes in public activity. The area's violent crime rate remains 43% above the UK average, a persistent challenge for local authorities.

November 2024 saw an 11.4% decrease in the crime rate compared to the previous month, bringing the rate down to 8.4 per 1,000 residents from 9.5 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the seasonal slowdown typically observed in late autumn, though local factors such as the timing of Bonfire Night and Black Friday may have influenced patterns. On a daily basis, 12 crimes were reported each day in November, a figure that, while consistent with historical averages, remains a local metric without a direct UK counterpart. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 119 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Bury St Edmunds slightly above the UK average for similar-sized built-up areas. This statistic, when contextualised against the population of 41,577, suggests that while the area is not exceptionally high-risk, residents remain aware of the need for vigilance, particularly in sectors where crime rates exceed national norms.