West Suffolk Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

West Suffolk's crime rate in August 2024 remained at 5.1 per 1,000 residents — 37.8% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistent pattern of lower criminal activity compared to national standards, though seasonal factors in August may influence local dynamics. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.3% of all reported incidents (406 cases). This category remains 18% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggesting either effective local policing or community factors that mitigate violent crime. The second most common category was criminal damage and arson (10.0% share, 96 cases), which is 19% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (9.7% share, 93 cases) is particularly notable, being 65% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. August's status as a peak holiday month likely contributes to patterns such as increased retail activity (linked to shoplifting) and temporary population shifts. However, the overall crime rate's stability compared to July indicates no major spikes, despite the seasonal context. The area's low crime profile, especially in categories like burglary (3.8% share, 36 cases) and vehicle crime (3.4% share, 33 cases), both significantly below UK averages, suggests a combination of geographic and demographic factors that reduce criminal opportunities. These include potentially lower population density, effective local policing, or community initiatives that deter crime in residential areas.

August 2024 saw a 40% increase in drug-related crimes compared to July, with 28 incidents reported — the largest monthly jump in this category. This rise contrasts with an 82.4% drop in bicycle theft, which fell from 17 to 3 cases, marking the most significant decrease in any crime type. Shoplifting also rose sharply, increasing by 32.8% to 81 incidents, likely linked to August's peak holiday season and increased retail activity. Anti-social behaviour rose by 27.4%, though it remains 65% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. Violent crimes — the largest category at 406 incidents — are 18% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggesting effective local interventions or community resilience. The sharp decline in bicycle theft, from 17 to 3 cases, offers a tangible example of how targeted efforts might be reducing specific crime types.

West Suffolk's crime rate in August 2024 remained stable compared to July, with a negligible -0.4% change. This consistency suggests no significant shift in overall criminal activity despite seasonal factors. On a daily basis, 31 crimes were reported each day across the district — a figure that reflects local patterns rather than national averages. When considering monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 197 residents over the course of August, illustrating the relative safety of the area compared to the UK's higher national rate. With a population of 188,485, this translates to a manageable level of risk for residents, though the seasonal context of August — a peak holiday month — may influence local dynamics. The daily crime count, while steady, provides a concrete reference for residents assessing their personal risk. This perspective, combined with the district's position 37.8% below the UK average, reinforces the area's generally low crime profile.