West Suffolk Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, West Suffolk maintained a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 38.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This disparity highlights the area's relatively low risk environment, particularly when compared to larger urban centres. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.6% of all reported incidents—still 28% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 12.0% of crimes, and was 55% below the UK average. These patterns may reflect the area's semi-rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density can contribute to reduced rates of certain offences. Seasonal factors also appear to influence crime trends; the longer evenings of May, combined with bank holidays, may have increased opportunities for public order incidents and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall stability in crime rates suggests that local measures—such as community policing and targeted interventions—may be effectively mitigating risks. The low incidence of property crimes, including burglary and vehicle crime, further supports the notion that West Suffolk's environment is less conducive to such offences compared to more densely populated regions. This combination of factors illustrates an area where residents face significantly lower daily risks than the national average, though targeted attention to rising public order issues remains a priority.

May 2023 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories, with public order offences increasing by 52.5% compared to the previous month, rising from 61 to 93 incidents. This surge may be linked to the extended evenings and increased socialising typical of the month, particularly around bank holidays. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 28%, decreasing from 25 to 18 cases—a trend consistent with reduced outdoor activity during the early evening. The category of 'possession of weapons' also rose sharply by 50%, climbing from 14 to 21 incidents, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the UK average, which is 43% lower. Meanwhile, robbery rates fell by 42.9%, declining from seven to four cases—a decrease that may reflect heightened police presence or community initiatives. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and their responsiveness to seasonal and situational factors.

West Suffolk's crime rate in May 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, with a 1.5% increase from 4.8 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major fluctuations in crime patterns during the month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that provides a tangible sense of local activity. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 205 residents, translating to a monthly exposure that places the area significantly below the UK average. With a population of 188,485, this rate underscores the relatively low risk environment in West Suffolk. The local context—characterised by rural and semi-rural landscapes—may contribute to the lower incidence of property crimes compared to more densely populated regions. These statistics, when viewed through a population-scaled lens, highlight the area's safety profile and its alignment with broader national trends.