West Suffolk Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

West Suffolk's crime rate in February 2026 was 4.1 per 1,000 residents, 35.9% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a complex picture of local crime patterns shaped by seasonal and demographic factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45.5% of all crimes, making them the most common category in the area, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. This overrepresentation of violent crimes may be linked to the area's character as a mix of rural and semi-urban communities, where social dynamics and limited anonymity could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Burglary, at 0.3 per 1,000, stood out as the only category exceeding the UK average by 20%, a discrepancy that may reflect the presence of isolated properties or unsecured rural homes. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributed to the overall reduction in crimes, particularly in categories like robbery and theft from the person, which fell sharply. However, the persistence of violent crimes despite seasonal factors suggests that localised issues such as domestic disputes or alcohol-related incidents may play a role. The area's crime profile, therefore, illustrates a balance between national trends and unique local conditions, necessitating tailored approaches to address the most pressing concerns while building on the positive declines observed in other categories.

February 2026 saw a 78.6% drop in robbery incidents, from 14 to 3, marking one of the most significant reductions in the dataset. This decline may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas during winter. Conversely, possession of weapons rose by 6.3%, from 16 to 17 incidents, a minor increase that contrasts with the overall downward trend. The crime mix in West Suffolk shifted with violent crimes (45.5% of total) far outpacing property crimes (36.9%), a pattern that diverges from the UK average where property crimes typically dominate. Burglary, at 6.7 per 1,000, was 20% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, highlighting a localised risk that warrants attention. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, remained 78% below the UK average, a statistic that could reflect community cohesion or effective local policing strategies. These variations underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as increased patrols in high-risk areas or community outreach programmes, to address specific crime types while maintaining the overall reduction in incidents.

West Suffolk's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.1 per 1,000 residents, a 20.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.2. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and lower foot traffic in public spaces. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 242 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. Daily crime counts averaged 28 incidents, a statistic that highlights the frequency of reported crimes in a 28-day period. When compared to the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, West Suffolk's rate remains lower, though the local population's size and distribution may influence this disparity. The reduction in robbery and theft from the person—by 78.6% and 60.0% respectively—suggests a possible shift in criminal activity patterns, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced tourism or changes in social behaviour during colder months. These figures, while lower than the UK average, underscore the importance of continued community engagement and local policing initiatives to maintain this downward trend.