Harwich vs Leiston — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Harwich

CO12 · Essex

126

crimes in April 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences47
  • Shoplifting21
  • Criminal damage & arson17

Leiston

IP16 · Suffolk

30

crimes in April 2026

Below national average

  • Violence & sexual offences19
  • Anti-social behaviour3
  • Other theft2

Leiston has less crime — 30 vs 126 incidents in April 2026.

What the data shows

Harwich recorded substantially more crime than Leiston in April 2026 — 126 incidents compared to 30, a 4.2x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Harwich sees higher rates of Shoplifting (21) and Criminal damage & arson (17), while Leiston has more Anti-social behaviour (3) and Other theft (2). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Harwich or Leiston safer?

Based on April 2026 Police data, Leiston recorded fewer crimes than Harwich — 30 vs 126 incidents. That is 76% fewer crimes. Leiston is also below the national average for crime.

What are the main differences in crime between Harwich and Leiston?

The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Harwich saw higher rates of Shoplifting and Criminal damage & arson while Leiston had more Anti-social behaviour and Other theft. Overall, Leiston recorded fewer total crimes (30 vs 126).

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