Suffolk remains one of the safest places in England and Wales, new statistics from the Office for National Statistics show. For the 12 months to March 2026 the county recorded 56.1 crimes per 1,000 people, a fall of around 1% on the previous year, leaving Suffolk ranked second nationally for the lowest level of recorded crime.
What the figures show
The county has now been among the top three areas with the lowest recorded crime for eight consecutive quarters. While the overall rate has edged down slightly, local police and the police and crime commissioner warn that some specific offences have risen and remain a focus for enforcement and prevention.
"While crime statistics are an important measure of performance, they do not tell the whole story. Behind every crime report is a victim, family or community looking to us for support,"
The comment came from the deputy chief constable, who emphasised the need to combine professional investigations with care for victims. The police and crime commissioner also welcomed the ONS picture, describing the result as a positive endorsement of policing and community safety work across the county.
Where attention is needed
Despite the favourable headline, the data and force commentary highlight increases in particular categories. These include:
- possession of weapons offences,
- robberies,
- other discrete categories where activity has been rising.
Deputy senior officers said the rise in weapons offences in part reflects proactive policing measures — more stops by specially trained officers leading to weapons seizures — rather than an immediate surge in community harm.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Crime rate (per 1,000 people) | 56.1 |
| Annual change | -1% |
| National ranking (lowest) | 2nd |
Local leaders have called the figures a testament to policing, community partnerships and crime prevention work, while cautioning that statistics do not capture the full human impact of individual offences. The force has signalled continued emphasis on targeted operations to tackle weapon carrying and robbery, alongside support services for victims.
Residents seeking reassurance or support are advised to follow updates from Suffolk Constabulary and local community safety teams. For non-emergency reporting or advice, contact the force via its official website or by calling the appropriate non-emergency numbers; emergencies should continue to be reported through 999.
