Lakenheath Crime Rate

Lakenheath Crime Statistics Overview

Lakenheath is a safe and welcoming community with an overall crime rate of 37.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 90/100. Compared to the UK average safety score of 78, Lakenheath stands out as a particularly secure environment for families and residents. The crime trend in the area is currently described as stable, with a minimal -1.1% change year-over-year. This consistency indicates that Lakenheath is maintaining its high safety standards effectively, making it one of the more reliable and secure locations in the West Suffolk region, especially given its unique status as a hub for an international military community.

Crime Breakdown in Lakenheath

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Lakenheath, with 92 incidents recorded annually. This represents 50.3% of the area's total crime and a rate of 19.0 per 1,000 residents. Other theft (20 crimes) and criminal damage and arson (15 crimes) follow as the next most frequent, which is typical for a residential community with a significant international presence.

Property crime in Lakenheath is significantly lower than the national average, with a rate of 11.1 per 1,000 people compared to the UK's 32.9. This category includes 20 thefts, 11 burglaries, and 6 vehicle crimes. For residents, the data indicates that while violent crime is the primary statistical concern, opportunistic theft and criminal damage are also present. The burglary rate of 2.3 per 1,000 is relatively low, but its position as the fifth most common crime type suggests that homeowners should still prioritise effective security measures to protect their property and belongings.

Lakenheath Crime Trends

Lakenheath's crime statistics show remarkable stability, with a minimal -1.1% decrease in total crime year-over-year. A closer look at the monthly trendData reveals that the crime rate fluctuated throughout 2024 and 2025, starting at 2.5 per 1,000 in November 2024. The area experienced its highest crime rates in September 2025, reaching 5.2 per 1,000 residents.

This late-summer peak was preceded by other relatively high-activity months in April, July, and August. The rate then decreased slightly to 3.5 in October 2025. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend is flat, suggesting that Lakenheath is effectively maintaining its safety levels. For residents, this stability is reassuring, although the higher rates in the late summer and early autumn months indicate a need for continued vigilance during that period.

How To Keep Safe in Lakenheath

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Lakenheath, so personal safety should be a priority. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when out at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and engage with your neighbours and local community groups to stay informed about safety initiatives in your neighbourhood.

To protect your property from criminal damage and opportunistic theft, ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit and that gates or fences are secure. High-value items should be kept out of sight from windows, and vehicles should always be locked with no valuables left inside. In public areas, stay aware of your belongings to prevent opportunistic theft. Reporting any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police via 101 helps them build a better picture of crime in the area and allocate resources effectively. By remaining vigilant and taking these practical steps, you can significantly contribute to keeping Lakenheath a safe and secure community for everyone.

Crime Timing in Lakenheath

Crime in Lakenheath follows distinct patterns throughout the day, closely linked to the area's social and residential rhythms. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most significant crime type, accounting for 53-55% of incidents. This is the period when opportunistic thefts are most likely to occur in residential and public areas. Burglary proportionally increases in the afternoon, reaching 24% of recorded crimes.

In the evening and night, the focus shifts. The 'Other' category, which includes public order and anti-social behaviour, peaks in the evening at 38%, coinciding with social activity in the community. The night hours (12am - 6am) see a significant spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 29% of incidents during this period. Burglary also reaches its proportional peak at 30% overnight. These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security should be a priority during the quiet, late-night hours, while personal awareness is key during the busy daytime and evening periods.

Regional Safety Context

Lakenheath is located near several areas with varying crime profiles. Nearby Holywell Row reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, while Little Eriswell is much lower at 7.4. Beck Row and Hockwold cum Wilton have similar crime rates to Lakenheath at 35.2 and 34.5 per 1,000 respectively. As a larger residential community with more activity, Lakenheath naturally sees more crime than some of its smaller neighbours, but it remains incredibly safe by national standards. For those living in the area, Lakenheath provides a secure and peaceful environment with safety levels that are far superior to the national average.

Proactive Property Security in Lakenheath

With a property crime rate of 11.1 per 1,000, Lakenheath residents enjoy a very safe environment, but the presence of criminal damage and opportunistic theft suggests that home security remains important. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or recording-only cameras, are often reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has occurred. In a peaceful community like Lakenheath, a more proactive approach can help maintain its high safety standards.

The scOS operating system offers an AI-powered alternative that focuses on preventing crime before it happens. By monitoring your property's boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect suspicious activity and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating security lights or audio deterrents. This immediate intervention is designed to make potential intruders move on within their critical 60-second decision window. For Lakenheath homeowners, scOS provides professional-grade protection that goes beyond simple recording, ensuring that threats are stopped at the perimeter. This proactive approach is particularly effective in safeguarding homes and vehicles against the criminal damage and opportunistic theft recorded in the area.