West Suffolk Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

West Suffolk’s crime rate in November 2024 remained 34.2% below the UK average at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a consistent performance for the local authority district. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 43.6% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (9.2%) and other theft (8.9%). These figures reflect the area’s broader profile as a largely rural district with limited urban centres, where violent crime tends to cluster in specific locations such as town centres or high-traffic roads. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended darkness—may have influenced certain trends, such as the 23.3% drop in shoplifting, which could be attributed to reduced retail footfall or enhanced security measures during the festive season. However, the persistent gap between West Suffolk’s rates and the UK average suggests that local factors, including effective policing or community initiatives, are likely contributing to the area’s lower crime profile. The breakdown also shows that anti-social behaviour is 73% below the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the district’s rural character, where informal social controls and lower population density could reduce opportunities for such offences. Meanwhile, the relatively high proportion of violent crimes compared to property offences highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with higher concentrations of population, such as Bury St Edmunds or other market towns within the district. These patterns are consistent with West Suffolk’s demographic profile, which includes a mix of older residents and smaller communities, where interpersonal disputes may be more prevalent than in densely populated urban areas. Overall, the data underscores a combination of local geography, seasonal activity, and policing effectiveness, all of which shape the area’s crime picture.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in November 2024 was a 133.3% increase in robbery cases, rising from 3 to 7 incidents. This spike, while small in absolute terms, signals a significant shift in criminal activity patterns. Concurrently, drug-related offences rose by 33.3%, from 30 to 40, indicating potential seasonal influences or unmet demand in the area. Burglary also increased by 13.9%, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 23.3%, from 86 to 66, possibly linked to reduced foot traffic during Black Friday or improved retail security measures. Anti-social behaviour in West Suffolk was 73% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 1.1 per 1,000 national rate. This suggests that community engagement or local enforcement efforts may be effectively addressing low-level disorder. For residents, the 133.3% rise in robbery underscores the need for vigilance during public events, particularly around Bonfire Night, when heightened activity might contribute to such incidents.

West Suffolk's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 11.9% compared to October, dropping from 5.7 to 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months, though the pace of reduction slowed compared to prior quarters. Daily crime figures show 32 incidents reported each day in November, a consistent rate despite seasonal fluctuations. Over the course of the month, one crime was recorded for every 199 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local communities. This ratio is lower than the UK average, reflecting West Suffolk’s overall safety profile. The population context further highlights that even with 947 crimes recorded, the per capita rate remains well below national benchmarks, suggesting effective local policing or community initiatives may be at play. However, the daily crime count provides a tangible measure for residents to assess their personal risk, offering clarity on how frequently incidents occur in their immediate environment.