Ipswich Crime Rate

Ipswich currently maintains an overall crime rate of 95.4 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. This performance is reflected in its safety score of 77/100, positioning the town just below the UK average safety score of 79. Recent data indicates a stable trend, with total crime decreasing by a minor 2.5% year-over-year. This consistency suggests that while Ipswich is an active urban centre, crime levels are not significantly rising. Violent crime remains the most reported category, followed by shoplifting and criminal damage. For residents, the property crime rate of 36.3 per 1,000 is a key figure to monitor, as it sits above the national average. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

About Ipswich

Ipswich, as one of England's oldest towns and a major port in Suffolk, presents a complex safety landscape influenced by its diverse urban and industrial characteristics. The area serves as a significant commercial hub with a large retail centre, which naturally attracts high volumes of transient footfall, contributing to statistics such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Its role as a major transport node and its vibrant nightlife also influence the local crime profile. Demographically, Ipswich has a high population density compared to the surrounding rural districts, which often correlates with higher reported incidents of violence and public order offences. Economic factors, including areas of regeneration and pockets of deprivation typical of large urban centres, also play a role in the property crime rate. Understanding these urban dynamics is key to interpreting why Ipswich's crime figures differ from the more tranquil, rural parts of Suffolk. Overall, the area's activity as a regional employer and cultural centre creates a busy environment that necessitates proactive community safety measures.

Crime Breakdown in Ipswich

In Ipswich, violence and sexual offences constitute the largest category of reported crime, accounting for 40.7% of all incidents, or 38.8 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 13.1%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.2%. For residents and homeowners, property-related crime is a significant consideration. The combined rate for property crimes—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—stands at 36.3 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime accounts for 5.5% of total reports, while burglary represents 2.2% (2.1 per 1,000). This suggests that while violent crime forms the statistical majority, the risk of acquisitive crime and damage to property is a persistent reality in this urban environment. Households should remain particularly vigilant regarding opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences, which together form a notable portion of the local crime landscape.

Crime Trends in Ipswich

The crime trend in Ipswich is currently stable, with a minor -2.5% year-over-year decrease in total reported incidents. Analysing the monthly data for 2025 reveals a fairly consistent pattern with some seasonal variation. The year began with rates around 7.3-7.6 crimes per 1,000. There was a notable peak in July, reaching 9.4, which often coincides with increased summer activity in urban centres. Another peak was seen in October at 8.7. However, the rates generally stayed within a predictable range, ending the year at 7.8 in November. This overall stability is a positive sign for the community, suggesting that despite being a busy urban area, Ipswich is not experiencing a significant surge in crime, allowing residents and authorities to focus on long-term safety improvements.

When comparing Ipswich to its immediate neighbours in Suffolk, there is a clear urban-rural divide. Nearby areas such as Babergh, Mid Suffolk, Tendring, East Suffolk, Colchester, and Maldon all report negligible crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 people for this period. While this suggests these rural and coastal areas are exceptionally quiet, Ipswich is the primary regional hub for employment, retail, and transport, which naturally results in its higher rate of 95.4. Despite being higher than its immediate rural neighbours, Ipswich remains a typical UK town in terms of safety, offering a balanced environment for those who want urban amenities while remaining vigilant about personal and property security.

Protecting Your Property in Ipswich

With a property crime rate of 36.3 per 1,000 people, residents of Ipswich face a higher risk of theft, burglary, and criminal damage than the UK average. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard burglar alarms, are often reactive—they provide evidence only after a crime has been committed. In an urban area like Ipswich, where 8.2% of crime involves criminal damage and vehicle crime is a persistent issue, preventing the incident is far more valuable than recording it.

The scOS artificial intelligence operating system represents a shift toward proactive protection. By integrating with your home's cameras, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles via DVLA verification. Unlike DIY systems that rely on you checking your phone, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and speakers to deter an intruder the moment they cross your perimeter. This "preventative first" approach is essential for modern homeowners who want to ensure that opportunistic threats move on to an easier target rather than attempting a break-in. In Ipswich’s residential neighbourhoods, this level of professional-grade deterrence provides the highest standard of peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Ipswich

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in the Ipswich local authority area. While many of these incidents are concentrated in specific high-footfall areas or involve known parties, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in the town centre and near the waterfront at night.

To enhance your personal safety, try to plan your routes in advance and stick to well-lit, populated paths when walking after dark. If you are visiting the town's nightlife, staying with a group can significantly reduce your vulnerability. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is well-lit and that any gates or perimeter fences are secure can discourage anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft near your residence. We also recommend using personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts. Given the higher-than-average shoplifting and business crime rates, business owners should invest in robust security and staff training. By maintaining high situational awareness and taking basic precautions in public spaces, you can significantly mitigate the risks associated with the town's most common crime types.