Mildenhall (West Suffolk) Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mildenhall (West Suffolk) recorded a crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents in October 2023, 20% below the UK average of 8.0. This rate, while lower than national benchmarks, reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the monthly tally. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.9% of all crimes, followed by public order (14.0%) and criminal damage and arson (12.3%). This concentration of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically hold a larger share. Seasonal factors, including darker evenings and Halloween, likely contributed to the rise in public order offences and shoplifting, both of which saw significant increases. The area’s crime profile aligns with a small built-up area where community interactions and local events may amplify incidents of violence and disorder. Despite the overall lower rate, the above-average prevalence of violent crime suggests potential gaps in addressing root causes such as social tensions or limited policing presence in high-traffic areas. The UK comparison underscores Mildenhall’s relative safety, yet the shift in crime types—particularly the surge in shoplifting—may signal evolving challenges tied to retail environments or seasonal consumer behaviour.

October saw a 200% increase in shoplifting, rising from one to three incidents, a stark shift in retail crime dynamics. Burglary also doubled, with four incidents reported compared to none in September, highlighting a new vulnerability in residential security. Violent crimes, though still below the UK average overall, rose by 25% month-on-month, reaching 25 cases—4% above the UK rate for this category. Public order offences, at 8 cases, were 53% above the UK average, suggesting heightened tensions or disturbances in public spaces. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 20%, and other theft decreased by 33%, indicating some areas of localised improvement. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted strategies to address rising shoplifting and burglary, while the drop in anti-social behaviour may reflect seasonal or community-driven factors.

Mildenhall's crime rate in October 2023 rose by 9.6% compared to September, from 5.8 to 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns during the month. Locally, this equates to roughly two crimes reported each day, a figure that provides context for residents assessing daily safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 157 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates the area’s experience within its population context. While the overall rate remains 20% below the UK average, the rise in violent crimes and specific categories like public order offences suggests localized factors may be influencing trends. The population of 8,940 means each crime has a measurable impact on community perception, though the area’s lower-than-average rate still indicates a generally safer environment compared to national benchmarks.