Ipswich Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ipswich’s crime rate in February 2026 climbed to 8.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the local authority district 28.1% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marked increase reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with violent crimes and property-related offences dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.6% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 (38% above). This surge may partly explain the broader rise in violent incidents, which could be linked to reduced outdoor activity during the winter months and increased indoor gatherings. Shoplifting, at 1.4 per 1,000, was 141% above the UK average, a figure that aligns with the town’s retail density and the seasonal lull in shopping activity. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, with 0.6 per 1,000 reported—71% above the UK average—tied to increased parking congestion and colder weather. These patterns suggest that local policing strategies may need to adapt to address the specific needs of Ipswich’s commercial and residential zones. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have amplified existing vulnerabilities, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and limited visibility. While a direct causal link, the combination of these factors likely contributes to the elevated crime rate.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft, anti-social behaviour, and other crime, with the latter two rising by 43.5% and 41.7% respectively. These spikes, combined with a 38% increase in violence and sexual offences over UK averages, signal a growing concern for public safety. Shoplifting, at 1.4 per 1,000, was 141% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, with the town centre’s retail density likely contributing to this trend. Vehicle crime also rose significantly, 71% above the UK average, possibly linked to increased parking congestion during winter. Anti-social behaviour surged by 41.7%, with 68 incidents reported—suggesting heightened tensions in residential areas. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in high-traffic zones and during late evenings when anti-social behaviour incidents are most common.

Ipswich's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 8.2 per 1,000 residents, a 5.0% increase from the previous month’s 7.8 per 1,000. This brings the local rate 28.1% above the UK average, a gap that has widened slightly compared to prior months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 41 crimes per day in February, reflecting the persistent pressure on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 122 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of 140,274. While this monthly exposure rate is a local metric, it highlights the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas such as the town centre and transport hubs. The population context further illustrates that crime is not evenly distributed across all demographics, with certain communities—particularly those in retail and transport zones—bearing a disproportionate share of incidents. This pattern aligns with Ipswich’s character as a mixed urban area with significant commercial and residential zones.