West Suffolk Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

West Suffolk's November 2023 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents marked a 29.3% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a consistent trend observed in prior months. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.6% of all incidents (465 cases), a figure 3% below the UK average. Public order offences (10.1%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%) followed, with both categories showing significant gaps relative to national rates. Seasonal factors appear to influence patterns, as November's dark evenings and Bonfire Night events may have contributed to the surge in public order incidents. The local profile, characterised by a mix of rural and semi-rural areas, aligns with lower rates of vehicle crime and burglary compared to urban centres. However, the dominance of violent crime suggests a need for continued focus on community safety initiatives. Black Friday shopping activity may have temporarily elevated shoplifting rates, though this category remains well below the UK average. The overall crime picture illustrates a balance between local characteristics and broader national trends, with West Suffolk maintaining its position as a relatively safe area despite seasonal fluctuations.

The most dramatic shift in November 2023 was a 27.8% rise in public order offences, climbing from 79 to 101 incidents. This surge, coinciding with dark evenings and Bonfire Night events, may reflect increased community gatherings or heightened tensions in public spaces. Concurrently, shoplifting increased by 25.0%, potentially linked to Black Friday shopping activity, though the category remains 27% below the UK average. Possession of weapons fell by 62.5%, from 16 to 6 cases, a drop that could indicate improved community engagement or targeted policing efforts. Theft from the person also declined by 50.0%, due to increased awareness during peak shopping periods. These fluctuations highlight the interplay between seasonal events and crime patterns, with some categories showing resilience against national trends.

West Suffolk's crime rate in November 2023 remained stable at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, a -1.3% decrease from the previous month's 5.4 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity. Daily crime reporting shows 33 incidents per day on average, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents, placing the monthly exposure in line with a low-to-moderate risk profile for the district. With a population of 188,485, this rate translates to a relatively manageable burden on local policing resources, though targeted interventions may still be necessary for specific crime types. The stability contrasts with the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, underscoring West Suffolk's position as a safer area compared to the national picture.