Bury St Edmunds vs Colchester — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Bury St Edmunds

IP33 · Suffolk

168

crimes in March 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences71
  • Shoplifting25
  • Criminal damage & arson16

Colchester

CO4 · Essex

190

crimes in March 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences80
  • Shoplifting31
  • Anti-social behaviour20

Bury St Edmunds has less crime — 168 vs 190 incidents in March 2026.

What the data shows

Bury St Edmunds and Colchester recorded very similar overall crime levels in March 2026 — 168 and 190 incidents respectively. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Bury St Edmunds sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (16), while Colchester has more Anti-social behaviour (20). 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 — 168 vs 190 incidents. That is 12% fewer crimes.

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 Anti-social behaviour. Overall, Bury St Edmunds recorded fewer total crimes (168 vs 190).

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