Bury St Edmunds vs Colchester — Crime Comparison 2026

Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.

Bury St Edmunds

IP32 · Suffolk

149

crimes in March 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences59
  • Shoplifting23
  • Criminal damage & arson18

Colchester

CO2 · Essex

214

crimes in March 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences106
  • Shoplifting25
  • Public order15

Bury St Edmunds has less crime — 149 vs 214 incidents in March 2026.

What the data shows

Colchester saw somewhat more crime than Bury St Edmunds in March 2026 (214 vs 149 incidents). The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Bury St Edmunds sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (18), while Colchester has more Public order (15). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Bury St Edmunds or Colchester safer?

Based on March 2026 Police data, Bury St Edmunds recorded fewer crimes than Colchester — 149 vs 214 incidents. That is 30% fewer crimes. Colchester is above the national average.

What are the main differences in crime between Bury St Edmunds and Colchester?

The main difference lies in crime type. In March 2026, Bury St Edmunds saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Colchester had more Public order. Overall, Bury St Edmunds recorded fewer total crimes (149 vs 214).

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