West Suffolk Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

West Suffolk's August 2023 crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents places the area firmly below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a gap of 27.2%. This figure reflects a broader pattern of relatively low crime levels in the district, which is characterised by its rural-urban mix and moderate population density. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.8%) and criminal damage and arson (11.4%). These figures align with the area's profile as a largely rural district with significant commuter and agricultural populations, where interpersonal conflicts and property-related disputes may contribute to the crime mix. Seasonal factors in August—such as the peak of the summer holiday season—typically increase risks for burglary due to empty homes, yet the data shows a slight decrease in burglary cases compared to previous months. This may be attributed to enhanced security measures during the holiday period or the absence of specific events that historically correlate with increased crime in the area. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting, vehicle crime, and theft from the person suggest that local initiatives, such as increased police patrols or community awareness campaigns, may have had a measurable impact. However, the significant rise in possession of weapons—a 200% increase from July—raises questions about the underlying drivers of this trend, which could include changes in local demographics or shifts in criminal activity patterns.

August 2023 saw sharp increases in two specific crime categories: possession of weapons rose by 200% (from 8 to 24 incidents), and theft from the person surged by 140% (from 5 to 12 cases). These spikes, while not statistically typical for the area, may partly explain the shift in crime mix towards more severe offences compared to earlier in the year. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 35.1% (from 77 to 50 cases), a decline that contrasts with the seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month. This reduction could be linked to increased police presence during tourist season or changes in retail security practices. Violent crimes remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 39.7% of all reported incidents, a proportion that is 13% below the UK average for this category. The decrease in burglary (from 26 to 23 cases) also suggests that the seasonal risk factors associated with empty homes during holidays may have been mitigated by local prevention efforts or increased community vigilance.

West Suffolk's August 2023 crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 3.3% decline from the previous month's 6.1 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This reduction aligns with the area's consistently lower-than-average crime profile, which is 27.2% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 36 crimes per day in August, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 170 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in the area. While this statistic does not account for variations in population density or community-specific factors, it provides a clear benchmark for assessing local safety. The decline from July also suggests that seasonal patterns—such as the end of the summer holiday period—may have contributed to reduced opportunities for certain crimes, particularly those linked to transient populations or temporary property vacancies.