Suffolk remains in top three counties for lowest levels of crime

Suffolk remains in the top three counties in England and Wales where people are least likely to be victims of crime, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The total recorded crime covering the 12 months to the end of September 2025 show that there were 55.5 crimes per 1000 people*, a decrease of 4.1% compared to the previous 12 months. Nationally, there was a reduction in crime of -1.6% for England and Wales.

Based on the ONS figures, Suffolk Constabulary remains ranked third for the lowest levels of recorded crime in the country for the sixth consecutive quarter.

Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: “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.

“If you have been the victim of crime my sympathies are with you and we remain determined to give a high level of service to victims.

“We need to remember that crime statistics don’t give the full picture of a local policing service. However, we continue to serve our communities with courage, professionalism and compassion, delivering a first-class service and we strive to continue to improve, to work hard to keep the people of Suffolk safe and to solve crime and catch criminals.”

Burglary, theft from person, public order, criminal damage, vehicle offences and sexual offences were among the crime types that saw a decline. Robbery, possession of weapons and shoplifting all saw rises.

DCC Vajzovic added: “We constantly keep crime trends under review to ensure we deploy our resources effectively based on threat, harm, risk and the investigative opportunities presented to us and we will always endeavour to respond effectively, prioritising crime in progress or danger to people.

“Robbery has seen an increase and this is likely due to changes in crime recording. As of 1st April 2025 the Home Office counting rules have provided a change of emphasis for crime recording when violence has been used in order to complete a theft. Therefore, when violence is used up until the point an item is stolen, police will now record a robbery as opposed to a theft (shoplifting) and assault.

“Shoplifting still provides us with challenges to address and these figures and trends remain under close scrutiny for us.

“It is a crime whatever the value of the item stolen and can result in a criminal conviction, which can have a serious impact on someone’s life. We understand this this behaviour is simply unacceptable as it ultimately can threaten the future of the business affected.”

“Our officers use powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to tackle persistent offenders using Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders.  In addition, our Design Out Crime Officer provide crime prevention advice to many of the shops and business networks in our town centres regarding what they can do to reduce theft.

“We never forget how precious the trust and confidence that the public put in us is and we continue to work tirelessly to the benefit of our communities. The response we receive each time we appeal for help to prevent crime or catch criminals is really important to us.”

The force saw a 6.8% increase in possession of weapons offences and a 11.8% increase in knife crime. This is set against a 3.9% reduction in violence against the person and a 3.9% drop violence with injury. Suffolk Constabulary continues to take a proactive, intelligence led approach to tackling weapon related crime, including the use of Clear, Hold, Build methodologies to identify and target individuals who carry offensive weapons. In addition, the constabulary works closely with partners across education, health and community services to prevent weapon carrying through early intervention, diversion, and targeted education programmes.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “Suffolk Constabulary will be the envy of forces across the country as the county remains one of the safest places in which to live, work, travel and invest.

“To be ranked third for the lowest levels of recorded crime in England and Wales for six consecutive quarters is a tremendous achievement and I’d like to thank officers, staff and volunteers for their unstinting commitment to maintain this favourable position.” 

"The decrease of some crime types is very encouraging but it is important not to be complacent. 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 and performance meetings where I discuss performance with the 

Chief Constable.

“Suffolk Constabulary is a good force but is also one of the lowest-funded forces in the country. It continues to punch well above its weight in the national arena, ‘and we should all be pleased and reassured by this.”