Suffolk sees major drop in knife crime despite figures rising nationwide

Suffolk has seen one of the largest year-on-year drops in knife crime despite levels increasing nationwide, new figures show

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that reported offences in Suffolk fell by 21 per cent when compared to 2023.

Data up to December 2024 found there were 58.1 crimes per 1000 people, a 3.8 per cent decrease compared to the previous 12 months.

Nationally, levels increased to 54,587, up two per cent from 2023’s 53,413 but remain below the 55,170 seen pre-Covid for the year ending March 2020.

Suffolk saw the second largest decrease in England and Wales, below Wiltshire, which saw a 22 per cent drop year-on-year.

In Suffolk, public order, stalking and harassment, robbery, drug offences, violence against the person, criminal damage and possession of weapons offences also saw decreases.

However, rates of vehicle, theft, sexual and shoplifting offences all rose.

Suffolk Police has welcomed these figures, which it said pictured the county as the third safest in England and Wales for three consecutive quarters.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: “We need to remember that crime statistics don’t give the full picture of a local policing service.

“I am acutely aware that if you have been the victim of a crime these results will mean little to you.”

The figures showed a consistent and stable position for the force, he said, demonstrating how the county continues to improve and innovate to make people safe.

“We are always very cautious about performance tables, and I am not a great fan of them, but to see us rated third once again for a third consecutive period shows the strong sense of stability and very productive and successful working,” he said.

Suffolk Police has a number of methods to target knife possession, serious violence or other crimes where knives may be used.

This includes education schemes, weeks of actions, knife amnesty bins and work on tackling gangs or anti-social behaviour.

In addition to custodial sentences, bail conditions and court orders also hope to deter people from committing crimes.

“Over the past year, the response from community leaders and residents has on the whole been very supportive, well received and positive which is really encouraging to hear and we thank them for their support,” Mr Jones added.

Of the 44 forces (including the British Transport Police) operating in England and Wales, 18 saw year-on-year increases.

The Metropolitan Police had the highest rate of knife crime, with 188 per 100,000 people.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, said he was proud the county remained among the UK’s safest to live and work.

“Suffolk is a good force, but it is a small force covering a huge geographic area and is also one of the lowest-funded forces in the country,” he said.

"The significant drop in knife crime is very encouraging. Suffolk Constabulary continues to punch well above its weight in the national arena and we should all be reassured by this.

“I would like to thank officers, staff and volunteers for their unstinting commitment to keep us safe.”