‘Incredibly positive news’ as Ipswich crime figures show continued reduction

Ipswich’s area commander has described a continued reduction in crime figures in the town as ‘incredibly positive news’, highlighting a 12% reduction in violence as particularly encouraging.

In total, crime figures for Ipswich in 2025 were 11% lower that the long-term average (2022-2024) for the town, with a 2% reduction between 2024 and 2025.

Key highlights saw a 12% reduction in violence against the person when comparing 2025 to the long-term average, including a 6% reduction between 2024 and 2025.

Theft from the person saw a 37% reduction when comparing 2025 and the long-term average, with a 30% reduction between 2024 and 2025, while public order saw a 32% reduction between 2025 and the long-term average, with a 30% drop between 2024 and 2025.

Superintendent Tom Pearse, Suffolk Constabulary’s Southern Area Commander, which includes all three Ipswich localities, has welcomed the results.

He said: “We have worked incredibly hard over the past few years to tackle many of the key issues being seen by our officers on the streets, being reflected in the crime figures, but most importantly, by our residents who are most affected by this criminality.

“In 2022 we saw disturbing levels of serious violence and took tough action, which has continued, to tackle the issues of gangs, drug dealing, youth violence and other associated criminality.

“I believe this is incredibly positive news for Ipswich and our communities and shows that despite some of the negativity we have seen and read, Ipswich is a fantastic place to live in, to work and to visit.

“It’s important to remember that recent figures showed Suffolk was the second safest county in the country, and these figures for Ipswich reflect this.  

“We understand crime figures and patterns of crime fluctuate and are often heavily affected by national issues. There will be no complacency as we do all we can to keep on this pressure, to prevent crime, target criminals and keep our communities safe.”

Other reductions when comparing 2025 and the long-term average include burglary non-residential (-29%), burglary residential (-23%), criminal damage (-14%), drug offences (-9%), sexual offences (-4%), stalking and harassment (-29%).

Figures for robbery have remained constant when comparing 2025 with the long-term average, though there has been a 3% increase when comparing 2025 to 2024, while shoplifting has seen a 28% increase and vehicle offences have seen a 7% increase when comparing 2025 and the long-term average. Vehicle offences have remained at the same rate when compared with 2024.  

Supt Pearse added: “Over the past year our Clear Hold Build initiative for the town, Maple Together, alongside other projects such as Op Spotlight has been focussing on tackling those issues that concern so many, targeting anti-social behaviour, disrupting criminal activity, making arrests and bringing those responsible to justice.

“As part of this, particular focus has been placed on tackling knife crime and the possession of offensive weapons, including using specially trained officers to identify and stop those suspected of carrying weapons. 

“It was therefore unsurprising to see an 8% increase in knife crime between 2024 and 2025, but we are pleased that this compares favourably to the 9% reduction in knife crime when comparing 2025 and the long-term average.

“I have seen the devastating consequences of knife attacks and make no apologies for my teams being incredibly tough on these offences. We have rightly seen long sentences handed to those who have used knives to injure others, often seriously. We will keep doing everything we can to remove as many knives from the streets as possible.

“We will also keep up our work to educate people on the dangers of carrying a weapon, in particular going out and talking to our younger residents.

“While overwhelmingly positive, the figures still show areas that require improvement, for example shoplifting, which has been widely-publicised as being an issue across the country.

“We will continue to work extremely hard to prevent these high standards slipping, looking to prevent crime, pursue those that persist in these activities and build strong cases to help bring positive resolutions and where appropriate prosecutions. 

“The information and intelligence we receive from members of the public continues to be crucial, whether that be related to knife crime or any other criminality.

“I’d also like to thank members of the public and partners for their support over these last few years and in particular with the Maple Together project which is showing visible positive change for our communities and helping build a better future for everyone in the area.”

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "We're really fortunate to live in one of the safest counties in the country, and it's great to hear that crime figures in our county town continue to fall.

"The relatively new policing model has seen more visible policing in the town which is having a very positive impact; this is great news for Ipswich and Suffolk as a whole.

"We must never be complacent. We will continue to support the communities of Suffolk to ensure our county remains a safe place in which to live, work, travel and invest."