Ipswich Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Ipswich's crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents placed it 12% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This disparity underscores a broader challenge in maintaining public safety compared to national benchmarks. The crime profile revealed a clear dominance of violent crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 39.9% of all reported incidents (470 cases), followed by shoplifting (10.9%) and public order offences (9.0%). This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 31% of the total, indicating a sharper focus on violent crime in Ipswich. Seasonal factors may have played a role in shaping these figures: the onset of darker evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night could have influenced the frequency of public order and violent incidents. Meanwhile, the retail sector's activity during Black Friday may have contributed to the 64% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average. The data also highlights areas of relative strength, such as anti-social behaviour, which fell 33% below the UK average. This suggests that local interventions—such as community policing or targeted programmes—may have had a measurable impact in certain categories. However, the persistent above-average rates in violent crimes and shoplifting indicate ongoing challenges that require sustained attention. The interplay between these factors, combined with the area's character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural features, likely contributes to the unique crime dynamics observed. While the overall rate is slightly lower than the previous month (8.9 per 1,000), the long-term trend of being above the UK average remains a concern for local authorities. The balance between property and violent crime, with the latter slightly dominating, may reflect broader societal pressures or environmental factors that warrant further analysis.

November 2023 saw a notable shift in the balance between violent and property crimes, with violent crimes (470) slightly outnumbering property crimes (438). This dynamic may reflect seasonal factors, such as the influence of dark evenings on public safety or increased social activity during Bonfire Night. Among month-on-month changes, bicycle theft surged by 70% (10 to 17), a sharp rise that could signal heightened vulnerability during colder weather or increased use of bikes for commuting. Conversely, burglary fell by 32.4% (37 to 25), linked to heightened awareness or seasonal changes in property occupation. Violent crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences (470), remain 31% above the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), highlighting a persistent challenge for local authorities. This contrast with anti-social behaviour, which dropped by 24.2% (124 to 94), suggests some success in addressing disruptive conduct, though the overall crime picture remains complex.

Ipswich's November 2023 crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents marks a 5.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.9 per 1,000. This slight decline contrasts with the area's overall position above the UK average. On a daily basis, approximately 39 crimes were reported in November, a figure that remains consistent with the area's historical patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 119 residents—a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents relative to the population. With a population of 140,274, this translates to a manageable but noticeable presence of crime in the community. The drop from October may reflect seasonal factors, such as the conclusion of Black Friday shopping or reduced outdoor activity during darker evenings. The comparison to the UK average underscores the need for targeted local strategies, particularly given the persistent above-average rates in violent crimes and property-related offences.