West Suffolk Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw West Suffolk's crime rate reach 5.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 29.3% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.5. This figure, while stable relative to October's 5.4, reflects a consistent pattern of lower-than-average crime rates in the area. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.6% of all reported incidents (465 cases), with a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 — 3% below the UK average. Public order offences followed closely at 10.1% (101 cases).5 per 1,000 was 6% below the national average. Seasonal factors likely influenced these figures, with November's darker evenings and events like Bonfire Night potentially contributing to spikes in public order incidents. The area's lower violent crime rate may be partially explained by its rural character, where community cohesion and limited nightlife reduce opportunities for such offences. Shoplifting and other theft categories remained significantly below UK averages, suggesting effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic in commercial zones. The overall crime picture illustrates a balance between persistent local challenges and systemic advantages that keep West Suffolk's rates consistently below the national benchmark.

The most striking month-on-month shift occurred in public order offences, which jumped by 27.8% from 79 to 101 cases. This surge aligns with November's darker evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night, which may have increased gatherings in public spaces. Shoplifting also rose sharply by 25%, from 64 to 80 incidents, likely tied to Black Friday shopping activity despite the month's typical lower retail footfall. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 62.5% (from 16 to 6 cases), a drop that may reflect targeted policing efforts or seasonal changes in illicit activity. Other crime categories showed smaller but notable shifts, with 'other crime' increasing by 23.8% (21 to 26 cases) and theft from the person declining by 50% (from 10 to 5). West Suffolk's rates for several categories remain significantly below the UK average: anti-social behaviour (71% below), burglary (41% below), and vehicle crime (80% below). These disparities suggest the area's lower population density and limited urban centres reduce opportunities for certain crimes. For residents, the stability in overall crime rates — down just 1.3% from October — indicates no major spikes or dips in safety levels, despite the public order increase.

West Suffolk's crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 in November 2023 remained virtually unchanged from October's 5.4, showing a -1.3% decrease that qualifies as stable. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 33 crimes per day — a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 997 incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in this population of 188,485. This figure is particularly notable when compared to UK averages, as West Suffolk's rates for categories like anti-social behaviour (71% below) and vehicle crime (80% below) suggest systemic differences in local demographics or infrastructure. The area's rural character likely contributes to these disparities, as lower population density and fewer commercial hubs reduce opportunities for crimes like vehicle theft or burglary. However, the public order spike in November underscores how seasonal events can temporarily disrupt even low-crime environments. Residents should note that while the overall rate remains stable, specific categories like public order may reflect temporary fluctuations tied to local traditions or weather patterns.