The number of crimes committed in Ipswich railway station has been on the rise, new figures from British Transport Police have shown.

Between March last year to February this year, there were 62 recorded crimes and acts of antisocial behaviour – while in the same period from 2022 there were 58.

The data also shows there were 30 recorded crimes and acts of antisocial behaviour on trains with journeys ending at Ipswich station between March last year to February this year, while in the same period from 2022 there were only 22.

However, the number of violent and sexual offence crimes reported at Ipswich station has actually decreased from 18 in the 2022 period to 14 in the 2023 period.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police, which is responsible for policing on the railways and in stations, said: "The public's safety is our number one priority, and we work tirelessly to protect everyone's journeys across the rail network. 

"It is important to not sensationalise these statistics and view them within their context, as the chances of becoming a victim of crime on the railway network is extremely low; our data shows 28.7 crimes per million passenger journeys between April and December 2023.

"We are aware that every offence is one too many and we work relentlessly alongside our policing partners and the rail industry to prevent this type of behaviour. We have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains, to detect and deter crime.

"Our patrols are targeted and supported by statistics to ensure that our officers are exactly where they are most needed. When crimes do happen, we’re fortunate to work in a CCTV rich environment to help to bring offenders to justice. 

"We encourage all passengers who see or experience crime to report it to us so we can take action. They can discreetly report crimes or concerns via text 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app and we urge people to ensure they save the number or download the app in case they ever need it. In an emergency, always call 999."

Crime in stations has not just been a problem not just in Ipswich, but across Suffolk in the past.

In 2022, a Stowmarket man with a foot fetish was jailed for massaging and touching the feet of women on trains and at stations and breaching a court order imposed to stop his behaviour.