West Suffolk Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

August 2025 marked a continuation of West Suffolk’s relatively low crime profile, with an overall rate of 5.7 crimes per 1,000 residents — 29.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country for this period. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.2% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (10.4%) and anti-social behaviour (8.0%). These figures suggest a persistent focus on interpersonal conflicts and property-related issues, though the area remains significantly below national benchmarks. Seasonal factors may have influenced patterns, as August is traditionally a peak month for tourism and holiday activity. While this could heighten risks for burglary in empty homes, the data shows a 100% reduction in theft from the person compared to the UK average, reflecting lower foot traffic in certain areas or effective local deterrents. The balance between violent and property crimes also appears stable, with property crimes (350) accounting for 32.8% of total incidents, compared to 44.2% for violent crimes. This distribution is consistent with West Suffolk’s character as a largely rural district, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the seasonal context of August — with increased temporary residents and fluctuating occupancy rates — likely plays a role in shaping these dynamics, though the exact mechanisms remain speculative without further data.

August 2025 saw a 3.7% month-on-month decrease in the overall crime rate, falling from 5.9 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline was driven by notable reductions in public order offences (-28.4%) and anti-social behaviour (-16.7%), which may reflect the impact of local initiatives targeting disruptive conduct during the summer months. Conversely, shoplifting increased by 47.6% (from 42 to 62 incidents), a stark contrast to the broader trend. This rise, though significant, remains 52% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggesting that even with this increase, West Suffolk’s retail sector continues to experience relatively low theft rates. The category of ‘other crime’ also saw a 26.1% rise, though it remains 25% below the UK average. Violent crimes — the largest category — are 13% below the UK average (2.5 vs 2.9 per 1,000), a trend that aligns with the area’s lower population density and potentially stronger community networks. Burglary, meanwhile, increased by 7.9% (38 to 41), but this remains 26% below the UK average. Residents might find the sharp drop in theft from the person (100% below the UK average) particularly reassuring, as it suggests that local measures to secure public spaces may be effective. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal pressures and long-term crime prevention efforts in the region.

August 2025’s crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents represents a 3.7% decrease compared to the previous month’s rate of 5.9 per 1,000, indicating a sustained period of improvement. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 34 crimes per day — a figure that, while specific to West Suffolk, provides a tangible sense of the scale of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 177 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low risk faced by individuals in this area. When contextualised within the local population of 188,485, this rate suggests that the vast majority of residents are unaffected by crime on a daily basis. The area’s performance against the UK average remains striking: its overall crime rate is 29.6% lower than the national figure, a gap that has likely been widened by the UK’s broader challenges with violent crime and public order issues. This comparative advantage may be linked to West Suffolk’s rural character, where community policing and lower population density can contribute to more effective crime prevention. However, the 47.6% increase in shoplifting highlights the need for continued vigilance in retail areas, particularly during periods of high tourist activity. These figures illustrate an area that, while not immune to crime, continues to outperform national averages through a combination of demographic factors and local strategies.