Ipswich Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ipswich's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 14.7% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining safety relative to national benchmarks, though the local profile shows distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.8% of all reported crimes, with 446 incidents recorded—a rate of 3.2 per 1,000, 28% above the UK average. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, contributing 15.9% of total incidents at 1.2 per 1,000, a stark 111% above the national average. These figures suggest that retail environments, particularly in the town's commercial hubs, may be affected by theft-related activity. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday retail quiet and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the elevated levels of property crime, though the area's urban density and tourist traffic could also play a role. Criminal damage and arson, at 0.7 per 1,000, also exceeded the UK average by 46%, indicating potential issues with anti-social behaviour or vandalism in public spaces. While the overall rate remains concerning, the distribution of crime types provides a nuanced picture of local vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors reliant on foot traffic and high-value assets.

January 2026 saw notable decreases in bicycle theft, which fell by 55.6% compared to December, with incidents dropping from 9 to 4. This reduction may reflect seasonal factors, such as fewer cyclists during colder months, or improved security measures in key areas like the town centre. Other crime also declined by 28.1%, from 32 to 23, suggesting a potential shift in criminal activity toward more targeted or high-value opportunities. However, several categories rose sharply: possession of weapons increased by 77.8% (9 to 16), burglary surged by 76.0% (25 to 44), and drug-related offences rose by 52.0% (25 to 38). These increases may be linked to the post-holiday period, where economic pressures or disrupted routines could heighten vulnerability. Shoplifting remained 111% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 68% below the national rate—indicating that community-focused interventions may have had a measurable impact in reducing disorderly conduct. For residents, the 55.6% drop in bicycle theft offers a concrete example of how targeted efforts, such as increased police patrols or improved lighting in cycling routes, can yield tangible results.

Ipswich's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable compared to December, rising only 0.6% from 7.7 to 7.8 per 1,000 residents. This minimal fluctuation suggests a relatively consistent level of criminal activity over the past two months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 35 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for residents assessing their risk exposure. When scaled to the local population, this equates to one reported crime for every 128 residents over the course of the month—a monthly aggregate that highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the community's size. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the breakdown of crime types reveals significant disparities. For instance, the 111% excess in shoplifting compared to the national average contrasts sharply with the 68% deficit in anti-social behaviour, illustrating how different areas of Ipswich may experience distinct challenges. The population-scaled perspective also underscores the need for tailored approaches: while retail-focused crimes dominate, the relatively lower incidence of public order offences may reflect successful community engagement or policing strategies in those sectors. These comparisons highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of local crime prevention efforts, offering a roadmap for future interventions.