Ipswich Crime Rate

Ipswich is a major urban settlement in Suffolk with an overall crime rate of 92.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is very close to the UK national average of 91.6, reflecting the town's status as an active regional and commercial centre. Ipswich maintains a respectable safety score of 78/100, which is just below the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Ipswich is stable, with a minor 2.4% decrease year-over-year, suggesting a consistent security environment. With a property crime rate of 35.6 per 1,000—slightly above the national average of 32.2—Ipswich remains a secure location for its residents, though the prevalence of urban crime types like shoplifting and criminal damage highlights the importance of proactive security and community awareness.

Crime Breakdown in Ipswich

Ipswich's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.5% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 37.5 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 13.9%, followed by criminal damage and arson, which represents 8.2% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the urban settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Ipswich has a rate of 35.6 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. This is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, making property security a key priority for residents and business owners. Shoplifting (13.9%) and criminal damage (8.2%) are significant components of this figure, reflecting the town's role as a major commercial centre. Burglary accounts for 2.0% of total crime, with vehicle crime at 5.2%. For residents, this means that while Ipswich remains a generally safe area, the prevalence of property-focused crimes like shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle theft suggests that maintaining robust security for homes, businesses, and vehicles is an essential part of local life in this active urban environment. Protective measures that deter opportunistic offenders are particularly effective in this context.

Crime Trends in Ipswich

The crime trend in Ipswich is currently classified as stable, with a minor 2.4% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. This indicates that the urban settlement remains a consistently secure environment. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a relatively steady pattern of activity with some seasonal fluctuations. The year began with a rate of 7.5 in January, which dropped to a yearly low of 6.3 in February.

Rates then increased in the spring and summer, with May recording 8.3 and July reaching a yearly peak of 9.0 per 1,000 residents. The autumn months remained active, with October recording another high point of 8.3. The year ended with a rate of 7.4 in December. This pattern suggests that Ipswich experiences slightly higher levels of activity during the warmer months and the run-up to the festive season. While these fluctuations are typical for a major urban area, the overall annual stability is a positive sign for the community's long-term security. Consistent vigilance remains the best approach for residents and businesses.

How To Keep Safe in Ipswich

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ipswich, accounting for 40.5% of all reports. While the town maintains a respectable safety score, the fact that shoplifting is the second most common crime (13.9%) and criminal damage is also significant (8.2%) suggests that residents and business owners should take proactive steps to maintain their security.

To stay safe in Ipswich:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the town, particularly in the town centre or waterfront areas during the late evening and night-time hours.
• Given that shoplifting is a major local issue, business owners should consider advanced security measures to protect their stock and staff.
• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for 5.2% of total incidents and is a persistent issue in urban areas, peaking at 42% of night-time reports.
• Ensure that your home is secure, with high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter to deter criminal damage.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police; your reports help the police understand and address local safety issues effectively in this active urban community.

Ipswich's crime data shows clear shifts in activity across the 24-hour cycle. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the daylight hours, accounting for 44% of morning crimes and a substantial 49% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when the town is active or when properties are left unattended during the working day.

As night falls, the risk profile changes significantly. During the night (12am to 6am), vehicle crime becomes the most significant concern, making up a substantial 42% of all reported incidents in that period, while burglary remains relatively low at 11%. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for a substantial 55% of reports. For Ipswich residents, this means that while personal property should be guarded during the day, vehicle security and awareness of anti-social behaviour should be the primary focus during the evening and overnight hours. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective and targeted safety habits in this active urban community.

In the local Suffolk context, Ipswich serves as the primary urban and commercial hub. Its crime rate of 92.5 per 1,000 is higher than that of its immediate neighbours, such as Sproughton (37.7), Bramford (56.9), and Washbrook (65.5). While the very small nearby community of Westerfield reported no crime during the same period, Ipswich remains a relatively safe major urban settlement compared to other regional hubs of similar size. For residents and businesses, Ipswich offers a dynamic urban environment with a safety profile that is typical for a major town. The stable crime trend in Ipswich distinguishes it as a reliable location compared to areas experiencing more rapid shifts, providing a secure and predictable environment for its population.

In Ipswich, where the overall crime rate is close to the national average and property crime sits at 35.6 per 1,000, effective security is about staying ahead of potential issues. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In an active urban area with a stable but significant crime profile, the goal should be to prevent crime before it happens.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It doesn't just record; it understands, distinguishing between residents, visitors, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, to disrupt their plan. In an area where shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime are notable concerns, scOS's ability to monitor property lines and verify vehicles in real-time is invaluable for both homeowners and businesses. By making your property a difficult and high-risk target, scOS ensures that potential offenders move on, keeping your assets and family safe and maintaining Ipswich's safety standards in a busy urban environment.