Ipswich Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ipswich's overall crime rate in January 2024 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.1% above the UK average of 7.4. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal and local factors, with the post-holiday period likely contributing to shifts in criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 46.5% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (10.1%) and criminal damage and arson (8.0%). The seasonal context of January—characterised by shorter days, reduced retail footfall, and a post-holiday lull—may have influenced the distribution of crimes, particularly the lower incidence of outdoor-related offences compared to busier months. The rate of violent crime in Ipswich (3.6 per 1,000) was 38% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the significantly lower rates of anti-social behaviour (49% below UK average) and vehicle crime (40% below UK average). These disparities highlight the area's unique character as a mid-sized town with a mix of urban and coastal features, where high-street retail hubs and community-focused policing efforts may shape crime patterns. The seasonal transition from the Christmas period also appears to have dampened activity in sectors reliant on foot traffic, such as shoplifting and theft from the person, though these remain persistent issues in certain areas.

January 2024 saw several significant shifts in Ipswich's crime profile. Burglary rates fell by 30.6% compared to December, with 25 incidents recorded—a reduction likely tied to the post-holiday period and increased home security awareness. Robbery also declined by 25%, dropping from 8 to 6 cases, a trend consistent with reduced outdoor activity during colder months. Conversely, drug-related offences surged by 63.2%, rising from 19 to 31 incidents, suggesting potential challenges in addressing substance-related crime during the winter. Theft from the person increased by 60%, with 16 incidents reported, a rise that may reflect heightened caution among residents or shifts in criminal focus. The UK comparison reveals stark contrasts: while violence and sexual offences remain 38% above the national average, anti-social behaviour is 49% below UK levels, potentially reflecting community engagement initiatives or local policing strategies. Shoplifting rates in Ipswich (0.8 per 1,000) were 40% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the town's retail presence and the post-holiday lull in foot traffic. These patterns illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in Ipswich, shaped by both local conditions and broader national trends.

Ipswich's crime rate in January 2024 rose by 2.9% compared to December, moving from 7.5 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, underscores the fluctuating nature of crime in the area. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 35 crimes each day in January—a figure that, while consistent with other months, may feel more pronounced during the winter. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Ipswich in the context of a mid-sized town with a relatively stable but not negligible crime burden. When considering the population of 140,274, the 7.7 per 1,000 rate translates to around 1,086 total crimes—a number that, while higher than the UK average, reflects the unique challenges of a town with a mix of urban and coastal features. The comparison to the previous month highlights the need for continued monitoring, particularly as seasonal changes may influence future trends. Residents should be aware that while some crime categories show marked improvement, others—such as drug-related offences—require focused attention to address emerging patterns.