West Suffolk Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 marked a continuation of West Suffolk's consistently low crime profile, with a recorded rate of 4.8 crimes per 1,000 residents—36% below the UK average of 7.5. This figure, while significantly lower than the national average, highlights areas of concern, particularly the sharp increase in robbery cases. The month's crime mix shows a clear dominance of violent offences, which accounted for 40.5% of all reported incidents. This proportion is higher than the UK average, where violent crimes make up 23% of total reports. The seasonal context of April, with its Easter holidays and increased outdoor activity, may have contributed to the rise in certain crime types. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, remained 49% below the UK average, suggesting effective local community policing strategies. Property crimes, while making up 32.8% of all incidents, showed a slight decrease compared to previous months, with vehicle crime dropping by 55.4%. However, the increase in shoplifting and criminal damage and arson raises questions about local economic factors or seasonal pressures. The overall crime rate remains a positive indicator for West Suffolk, but the specific spikes in violent and property-related crimes warrant closer examination. These patterns may be influenced by the area's demographic composition, which includes a mix of rural and suburban communities, and the seasonal transition into spring, which often sees increased foot traffic in retail and leisure areas. The low crime rate, combined with the significant disparities in specific categories, suggests that while the area is generally safe, targeted efforts may be needed to address the rising concerns in certain crime types.

April 2023 saw a sharp 133% increase in robbery cases, rising from three to seven incidents. This jump is particularly concerning given the area's generally low crime profile. Shoplifting also rose by 15.3%, with 68 incidents reported, marking the highest monthly total for this category in recent records. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 55.4%, a significant decrease from 56 to 25 incidents, possibly linked to seasonal changes in vehicle usage. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violent crimes remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 40.5% of all reported incidents. This share is higher than the UK average, where violent crimes make up 23% of the total. Anti-social behaviour, at 13.1% of all crimes, is 49% below the UK average, reflecting the area's strong community engagement efforts. The sharp rise in robbery cases, combined with the overall decline in crime rates, suggests a combination of local factors that require further monitoring.

West Suffolk's crime rate in April 2023 fell to 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a 15% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.7. This decline continues a downward trend observed over recent months, though it remains well below the UK average. Locally, 30 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that reflects the area's relatively low crime profile compared to other regions. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 208 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the infrequency of incidents in this area. While the overall rate is down, the distribution of crime types shows notable shifts, with violent crimes accounting for 40.5% of all reported incidents. This mix contrasts with the UK average, where violent crimes make up a smaller proportion of total crimes. The population context further underscores the scale: with 188,485 residents, even a single crime has a visible impact on the community. These statistics suggest that while the area remains safer than the national average, specific crime categories warrant closer attention.