Bury St Edmunds Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bury St Edmunds recorded a crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents in November 2025, placing it 2.7% above the UK average of 7.3. This slight elevation aligns with the area's status as a built-up town within West Suffolk, where urban density and seasonal factors like Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping influence crime patterns. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.2% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (13.9%) and criminal damage and arson (8.4%). These figures reflect the town's mix of retail activity, community spaces, and the transient nature of late-night events. The surge in shoplifting may be partly explained by the proximity of Black Friday sales, which often draw crowds to local high streets. Similarly, the rise in criminal damage and arson could be linked to Bonfire Night celebrations, which typically involve pyrotechnic displays and public gatherings. However, the overall rate remains relatively stable compared to the UK, suggesting that local policing and community initiatives may be mitigating broader risks. The data also highlights a geographic trend: while violent crime dominates, property crimes are lower than the UK average for categories like burglary and vehicle crime. This contrast may stem from the town's smaller size and lower population density, which can reduce opportunities for certain offences. As November progresses, the interplay between seasonal events and local demographics will likely continue shaping crime trends, requiring targeted monitoring by authorities.

November 2025 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with some areas showing marked improvement. Public order offences decreased by 36.4% compared to the previous month, likely reflecting a reduction in incidents tied to Bonfire Night preparations and the early closure of public spaces. Robbery rates also dropped by 50%, a decline that may be attributed to increased police presence during festive periods or heightened public awareness. Possession of weapons fell by 58.3%, possibly linked to enforcement actions during the month. Conversely, shoplifting surged by 87%, with 43 incidents reported—a sharp increase from the previous month's 23. This spike aligns with the Black Friday shopping rush, which typically drives retail crime in towns with bustling high streets. Similarly, drug-related offences rose by 90%, reaching 19 cases, a figure that may reflect the transient nature of certain populations in the area during the holiday season. Other crime, including unclassified incidents, also increased by 83.3%, suggesting a need for further analysis of emerging trends. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate 28% above the UK average. This disparity may be influenced by the town's demographic profile, where younger populations and social hubs contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Residents might find the 36.4% drop in public order offences particularly reassuring, as it indicates a potential success of local initiatives to manage large-scale events.

Bury St Edmunds' crime rate in November 2025 stood at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, a 1.6% increase from the previous month's 7.3. This marginal rise suggests a stable crime environment. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 10 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 310 incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 134 residents, a ratio that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, Bury St Edmunds' performance diverges from the UK average in several ways. For instance, anti-social behaviour rates were 62% below the national average, a trend that may stem from the town's smaller community size and stronger social cohesion. Similarly, burglary and vehicle crime were both below UK averages, likely due to the area's lower population density and the presence of residential estates with higher security measures. However, the town's rate of violence and sexual offences was 28% higher than the UK average, a disparity that may reflect the concentration of younger populations in certain areas. These comparisons underscore the importance of tailored policing strategies that address local vulnerabilities while building on the town's strengths in reducing non-violent crime.