Mildenhall (West Suffolk) Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Mildenhall (West Suffolk) during July 2024 reveals a distinct balance of crime types, shaped by both local rhythms and broader seasonal influences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.9% of all reported crimes, a share significantly higher than property-related offences, which combined for 32.1% (16 property crimes and 9 other categories). This skewed distribution contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. The area’s rate of 5.9 crimes per 1,000 residents—29.8% below the UK average of 8.4—suggests a relatively stable environment, though the mix of crime types indicates specific local pressures. Violence and sexual offences in Mildenhall (2.1 per 1,000) were 26% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s character as a built-up rural district where community policing may temper more severe incidents. However, public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) were 25% above the UK average, likely linked to the peak summer season, when festivals and outdoor events increase informal gatherings. The sharp rise in shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000) may reflect the impact of local retail activity during the summer months, though this category remained 12% below the UK average. This nuanced picture highlights how local factors, such as seasonal events and community dynamics, interact with broader crime trends to shape the area’s crime profile.

July 2024 saw dramatic shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting, other theft, and possession of weapons all surging by 400%, 300%, and 300% respectively. These increases, while notable, were offset by steep declines in criminal damage and arson (down 85.7%), anti-social behaviour (down 75%), and violence and sexual offences (down 44.1%). The category of 'other crime'—which includes unclassified or minor incidents—rose to 7.6% of total crimes, 194% above the UK average, though this may reflect reporting inconsistencies rather than a true spike. Meanwhile, public order offences (13.2% of total crimes) remained 25% above the UK average, possibly due to the influx of visitors during July’s peak tourist season. The drop in violence and sexual offences, despite the summer holidays, may indicate effective community engagement or increased police presence in public spaces. Residents may find the 29.8% reduction in overall crime rates compared to the UK average reassuring, though the surge in possession of weapons (614% above the UK average) warrants cautious monitoring.

July’s crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 25.3% decrease from June’s 7.9, reflecting a broader trend of declining crime in the area. This brings the monthly exposure to roughly one reported crime for every 169 residents—a figure that, while modest, underscores the importance of vigilance in a community of 8,940 people. Daily crime counts averaged 2 incidents per day, a low figure that aligns with the area’s overall safety profile but highlights the potential for isolated spikes in specific categories. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Mildenhall’s crime rates are consistently below the UK average, with property crimes remaining particularly subdued. However, the stark divergence in certain categories—such as possession of weapons—raises questions about local enforcement priorities or reporting practices. For residents, the monthly exposure metric offers a tangible sense of risk: over the course of July, a single resident had a 0.06% chance of being directly affected by crime, a figure that compares favourably to the UK’s average of 0.1%. This contrast reinforces Mildenhall’s status as a relatively safe built-up area, though the anomalies in specific crime types suggest the need for targeted analysis.