Ipswich Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Ipswich's crime profile revealed a striking imbalance between violent and property crime, with the former dominating the overall rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents—12% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.9% of all crimes, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 31%, while property crime (438 incidents) lagged slightly behind violent crime (470 incidents). This dynamic may partly reflect the seasonal context of November, a month marked by dark evenings, the transition to winter, and the convergence of Black Friday shopping and Bonfire Night events, which can heighten tensions in high-traffic areas. The data also shows that shoplifting, at 0.9 per 1,000, was 64% above the UK average, likely tied to retail activity during the festive shopping period. Public order offences also rose sharply, 51% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased foot traffic and social gatherings. However, anti-social behaviour incidents fell by 24.2% compared to October, suggesting a possible reduction in disruptive activity during the month. The overall rate, though elevated, remains consistent with Ipswich's status as a major urban centre with a mix of commercial and residential zones, where high footfall areas may contribute to both property and violent crime trends.

November 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft surging by 70% (from 10 to 17 incidents) compared to October—a sharp increase that may reflect seasonal factors, such as the return of university students or increased cycling during darker evenings. Other theft also rose by 42.6% (54 to 77 incidents), potentially tied to Black Friday retail activity. In contrast, burglary fell by 32.4% (37 to 25 incidents), due to enhanced security measures during the festive period. Violent crime remained high, with violence and sexual offences at 3.4 per 1,000—31% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be influenced by Ipswich's urban character, where high-density areas and nightlife activity can drive such incidents. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 24.2%, which could indicate effective local policing or a natural decline in seasonal disruptions. Residents may find the 70% rise in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it highlights a vulnerability in transport infrastructure or theft prevention measures in the area.

Ipswich's November 2023 crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 marked a 5.7% decline from the previous month's rate of 8.9 per 1,000, suggesting a slight moderation in criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 39 crimes per day—equivalent to one reported crime for every 119 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure, while higher than the UK average (which is not provided for this metric), contextualises the frequency of incidents within a local framework. When compared to the previous month, the decrease may reflect a combination of seasonal factors, such as the waning of Halloween-related events and the stabilisation of Black Friday activity. However, the overall rate remains above the UK average, indicating that Ipswich's urban environment continues to present a higher risk profile than the national average. The population-scaled perspective—1-in-119 residents experiencing a crime in November—offers a tangible measure of risk for locals, though it does not account for variations in reporting rates or policing efficiency across different regions.