West Suffolk Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw West Suffolk maintain a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rural district, characterised by a mix of agricultural land and small towns, recorded 967 total crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 41.6% of the total. The seasonal context of Easter and spring weather brought increased outdoor activity, which may contribute to higher visibility of certain crimes. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with 402 incidents reported. This rate of 2.1 per 1,000 is 18% below the UK average for this category, suggesting local factors such as community policing or demographic characteristics may play a role. Meanwhile, property crimes accounted for 35.9% of the total, with criminal damage and arson at 11.3%—slightly above the UK average. The lower rates of shoplifting (40% below UK average) and vehicle crime (57% below) align with the area’s rural nature, where fewer retail hubs and car parks exist. These patterns illustrate a crime profile shaped by both geographic and seasonal influences, with violent crime persisting as a key concern despite the overall reduction compared to the national average.

April 2024 brought notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft rising by 50% (4 to 6 incidents) and drug-related offences increasing by 25% (24 to 30). This uptick in bicycle theft may reflect the return of cyclists to warmer weather, while the rise in drug offences could be linked to Easter holidays and increased social gatherings. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person each dropped by 50%, with 2 and 6 incidents respectively—suggesting potential improvements in public safety measures or reduced opportunities during the Easter period. Vehicle crime also fell by 30.6%, from 49 to 34 incidents, due to fewer commuters or seasonal changes in vehicle usage. The category of 'possessions of weapons' saw a 20% increase (10 to 12 incidents), though this remains well below the UK average. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in West Suffolk, with certain categories showing marked changes that residents should monitor. For instance, the significant drop in robbery may indicate effective policing during peak holiday periods, while the rise in drug offences underscores the need for continued vigilance in community areas.

West Suffolk’s crime rate in April 2024 fell to 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a 7.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5. This downward trend suggests a continued improvement in local crime management, though the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. On a daily basis, 32 crimes were reported across the district, equating to one crime for every 195 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, showing that while crime is present, it remains relatively infrequent compared to larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that West Suffolk’s crime profile is distinct from the UK average, with violent crime rates 18% lower and property crime rates broadly aligned with national trends. These figures, when considered alongside the area’s rural character, suggest that community-based initiatives and geographic factors may be contributing to the lower crime rates. However, the increase in bicycle theft and drug offences indicates that specific challenges persist, requiring targeted attention from local authorities and residents alike.