Ipswich Crime Rate

Ipswich is a major regional hub in Suffolk with an overall crime rate of 95.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.6, reflecting the town's status as an active urban and commercial centre. Despite this, Ipswich maintains a respectable safety score of 77/100, which is close to the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Ipswich is stable, with a minor 1.8% decrease year-over-year, suggesting a consistent security environment. With a property crime rate of 36.7 per 1,000—slightly above the national average of 32.2—Ipswich remains a secure location for its residents, though the prevalence of urban crime types like shoplifting and criminal damage highlights the importance of proactive security.

About Ipswich

Ipswich is a historic county town in Suffolk with a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and commercial characteristics. As one of the oldest towns in England, it serves as a major regional hub for employment, retail, and education. The town's economy is bolstered by its significant port, a thriving digital and technology sector, and its role as an administrative centre. Ipswich's population is dynamic, with a mix of long-term residents and a transient student population attending the University of Suffolk.

The town's crime statistics are influenced by its status as a major transport hub, situated along the A12 and A14 corridors, and its vibrant nightlife, particularly in the town centre and waterfront areas. These factors can lead to higher concentrations of certain crime types, such as shoplifting in commercial districts and public order offences in areas with a high density of bars and restaurants. Additionally, like many larger urban areas, Ipswich faces challenges related to economic disparities and urban density, which can impact local crime rates. Understanding these area characteristics helps provide context for the town's safety score and the specific patterns seen in the local crime data.

Crime Breakdown in Ipswich

Ipswich's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.8% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 39.1 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 13.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson, which represents 8.2% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the local authority district.

When looking at property-related crime, Ipswich has a rate of 36.7 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. This is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, making property security a key priority for residents and business owners alike. Shoplifting (13.6%) and criminal damage (8.2%) are significant components of this figure, reflecting the town's urban and commercial nature. Burglary accounts for 2.2% of total crime, with vehicle crime at 5.3%. For residents, this means that while Ipswich remains a generally safe area, the prevalence of property-focused crimes like shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle theft suggests that maintaining robust security for homes, businesses, and vehicles is an essential part of local life in this active regional hub.

Crime Trends in Ipswich

The crime trend in Ipswich is currently classified as stable, with a minor 1.8% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. This indicates that the local authority district remains a consistently secure environment. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a relatively steady pattern of activity with some seasonal fluctuations. The year began with a rate of 7.6 in January, which dropped to a yearly low of 6.5 in February.

Rates then increased in the spring and summer, with May recording 8.7 and July reaching a yearly peak of 9.4 per 1,000 residents. The autumn months remained active, with October recording another high point of 8.7. The year ended with a rate of 7.7 in December. This pattern suggests that Ipswich experiences slightly higher levels of activity during the warmer months and the run-up to the festive season. While these fluctuations are typical for a major urban area, the overall annual stability is a positive sign for the community's long-term security. Consistent vigilance remains the best approach for residents and businesses.

In the local regional context, Ipswich serves as the primary urban and commercial centre, and as such, it has a higher crime rate (95.8 per 1,000) than its more rural neighbours. It is significantly more active than the surrounding districts of Babergh, Mid Suffolk, Tendring, and East Suffolk, as well as Colchester and Maldon, all of which reported much lower crime levels in the current period. For residents and businesses, Ipswich offers a dynamic urban environment with a safety profile that is typical for a major regional town. The stable crime trend in Ipswich distinguishes it as a reliable location compared to areas experiencing more rapid shifts, providing a secure and predictable environment for its large and diverse population.

In Ipswich, where the overall crime rate is slightly above the national average and property crime sits at 36.7 per 1,000, effective security is about staying ahead of potential issues. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In an active urban area with a stable but significant crime profile, the goal should be to prevent crime before it happens.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It doesn't just record; it understands, distinguishing between residents, visitors, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, to disrupt their plan. In an area where shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime are notable concerns, scOS's ability to monitor property lines and verify vehicles in real-time is invaluable for both homeowners and businesses. By making your property a difficult and high-risk target, scOS ensures that potential offenders move on, keeping your assets and family safe and maintaining Ipswich's safety standards in a busy urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Ipswich

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ipswich, accounting for 40.8% of all reports. While the town maintains a respectable safety score, the fact that shoplifting is the second most common crime (13.6%) and criminal damage is also significant (8.2%) suggests that residents and business owners should take proactive steps to maintain their security.

To stay safe in Ipswich:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the town, particularly in the town centre or waterfront areas during the late evening and night-time hours.
• Given that shoplifting is a major local issue, business owners should consider advanced security measures to protect their stock and staff.
• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for 5.3% of total incidents and is a persistent issue in urban areas.
• Ensure that your home is secure, with high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter to deter criminal damage.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the Suffolk police; your reports help the police understand and address local safety issues effectively in this active urban community.