Ipswich Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ipswich's overall crime rate in September 2024 was 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.6% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 42.1% of all reported incidents—26% higher than the UK average for this category. This was followed by criminal damage and arson (9.0%) and shoplifting (8.6%), both of which also exceeded national averages. The seasonal context of September, marked by the return of students to universities and the start of the academic year, may partly explain the elevated levels of violence and public order offences. Shorter evenings and increased foot traffic in town centres during this period could contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property crimes, though the latter saw a notable decline compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, burglary rates remained 35% below the UK average, suggesting that residential areas may have effective security measures or community vigilance. The data highlights a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with Ipswich's coastal and commuter town characteristics likely influencing crime patterns. As the weather turns and university term begins, local authorities may need to monitor trends closely to address emerging issues.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in September 2024 was a 160% surge in robbery cases, rising from 5 to 13 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity that warrants attention. Burglary also increased by 33.3%, from 24 to 32 cases, while drug-related crimes rose by 21.7% (23 to 28). These increases contrast with declines in anti-social behaviour (-24.3%), shoplifting (-24.0%), and theft from the person (-11.1%). Violence and sexual offences remained significantly above the UK average, with a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.6 per 1,000. Conversely, anti-social behaviour was 49% below the UK average, which may reflect local initiatives or community engagement efforts. Residents might find the 8.6% overall drop in crime rate from the previous month (8.6 to 7.9 per 1,000) encouraging, though the sharp rise in robbery highlights the need for vigilance. The data also shows that theft from the person fell by 11.1%, a decrease that could be linked to increased awareness campaigns or improved security measures in high-risk areas.

Ipswich's crime rate in September 2024 fell by 8.2% compared to the previous month, dropping from 8.6 to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in many UK towns during the transition from summer to autumn, though the sharp rise in robbery cases complicates the picture. On a daily basis, Ipswich recorded an average of 37 crimes per day in September, a figure that underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly higher than the UK average for similar-sized towns. When compared to the previous month, the drop in overall crime rate may reflect the stabilisation of seasonal factors such as reduced summer tourism and the start of the academic year, which can influence both property and violent crime rates. However, the increase in robbery cases suggests that certain pockets of the town may be experiencing heightened vulnerability, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during late-night hours. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Ipswich's crime rate is slightly above the UK average, targeted interventions in specific categories—such as robbery and burglary—could help bring the overall rate closer to national benchmarks.