Suffolk ranks among top counties with lowest crime levels
Recorded crime continues to decline, but certain offences see rises
Suffolk remains one of the safest counties in England and Wales, ranking third for the lowest levels of recorded crime according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Figures for the 12 months to September 2025 show that Suffolk recorded 55.5 crimes per 1,000 people, a 4.1% decrease compared to the previous year. This is significantly better than the national reduction of 1.6%.
The county has held its third-place position for the lowest crime levels for six consecutive quarters, with Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore praising the achievement as “tremendous.”
Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic acknowledged the positive figures but highlighted the impact of crime on victims:
“Whilst these figures continue to make for pleasing reading, demonstrating that we are a high-performing organisation, it is important to make clear that for the victim of every crime committed they will be experiencing personal distress, upset and trauma.
“We continue to serve our communities with courage, professionalism and compassion, delivering a first-class service and strive to improve, keeping the people of Suffolk safe, solving crime, and catching criminals.”
Crime trends in Suffolk
While several crime types have declined, some offences have seen increases. Knife-related crime rose by 11.8%, alongside a 6.8% increase in possession of weapons offences. Robbery saw the largest jump, rising 25.5%, which DCC Vajzovic attributed to changes in crime recording rules introduced by the Home Office in April 2025.
Under the new guidelines, instances of theft involving violence up to the point of the item being stolen are recorded as robbery, rather than shoplifting or assault.
Burglary, theft from person, public order offences, criminal damage, and sexual offences all saw reductions. However, shoplifting rose by 5.9%, presenting challenges for the force.
“It’s important to remember that shoplifting is still a crime, no matter the value of the item stolen,” Vajzovic said. “It can result in a criminal conviction, which can impact someone’s life. It also threatens the future of businesses affected."
Officers are using tools like Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders to tackle repeat offenders, while collaborating with shop networks to reduce theft.
Tackling weapon-related crime
Suffolk Constabulary continues a proactive intelligence-led approach to tackling weapon-related crime. Clear, Hold, Build tactics are being used to identify and target individuals carrying weapons, alongside education and early intervention programmes to prevent weapon-carriage.
The force is also working with partners in education, health, and community services to address these issues through outreach and diversion measures.
Ongoing monitoring and funding
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore commended the constabulary’s efforts and its ability to perform strongly despite being one of the lowest-funded forces in the country.
Passmore said: “Suffolk Constabulary will be the envy of forces across the country as the county remains one of the safest places to live, work, travel and invest.
“The stats show more needs to be done to reduce levels of robbery, possession of weapons and shoplifting, and I will be monitoring this through my accountability meetings with the Chief Constable.”
Key statistics
Crime decreases (Sept 2024 - Sept 2025):
- Theft from person: -29.1%
- Non-residential burglary: -23.5%
- Public order: -14.7%
- Vehicle offences: -6.4%
- Violence against the person: -4.4%
- Sexual offences: -2.1%
Crime increases:
- Knife crime: +11.8%
- Robbery: +25.5%
- Shoplifting: +5.9%
- Possession of weapons: +6.6%
Suffolk Constabulary continues to work proactively to balance safety improvements while addressing emerging trends.