Violent crime in Ipswich is below the national average, according to police figures.
An analysis of police statistics using data from the data.police.uk website showed that there 28.5 crimes per 1,000 people in the town - compared to the average of 35 for England and Wales.
This meant that the town has a crime rate that 81% that of the national average, with crime declining 4.9% in Ipswich over the period from November 2023 to October 2024.
The figures also show that out of 99 postcodes analysed across England and Wales, Ipswich had the 19th lowest level of violent crime.
According to the police data from November 2023 to October 2024, there were 42 cases of violence and sexual offences per 1,000 people, compared to 8.87 for criminal damage and arson, 8.14 for public order, 7.67 for anti-social behaviour and 5.83 for other theft.
The rate for vehicle crime was 4.76 per 1,000 people, drugs 2.51, burglary 2.46, other crime 2.28, possession of weapons 1.41 and bicycle theft 1.12.
Historically, Ipswich has had a higher crime rate than the East of England as a whole.
For example, in 2011 had a crime rate of 177 per 1,000 population compared to 104 for the region.
However, by 2023 the Ipswich figure had fallen to 112 compared to 84.8 for the region.
St Margaret's was the Ipswich ward with the lowest crime rate at 41 per 1,000 people - followed by Castle Hill at 41.4, Rushmere 43, Bixley 52.7 and St John's 60.6.
Alexandra was the ward with the highest crime rate at 300 followed by Westgate on 141 and Gipping on 140.
Crime in Ipswich reached a peak of 17,008 offences in 2019 but declined to 13,017 in 2021 before rising to 15,019 in 2022 and falling to 13,915 in 2023.
Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore said: “This data showing the decline in violent crime in our county town of Ipswich is very encouraging indeed.
"I am sure all residents and businesses in the Ipswich area welcome this marked improvement.
"Of course, there remains a great deal to do, and we must continue working together to build on the successes already achieved and bring rates of violent crime down even further.
"Improved policing visibility always helps act as a deterrent to such appalling behaviour as well as the threat of being caught and prosecuted.
"I really look forward to Suffolk receiving a fair share of the government’s promise to recruit an additional 13,000 police as this will undoubtedly help us to continue these improvements, provided of course sufficient funding is forthcoming from the Home Office."
Superintendent Andy Martin said: “The continued reduction in serious violence and knife crime in Ipswich over recent years is testament to the hard work and determination of everyone.
“Whilst it is reassuring to see the town continue in a positive direction we are under no illusions our work is not done and that challenges remain. Ipswich isn’t immune to national pressures and we will continue to pursue those who cause our communities harm. There is no short-term fix.
“This is more than just about policing, it is about providing positive opportunities and giving people better futures as well as prosecuting those responsible for crime and disorder.
“Figures tell only part of a story, so we will continue our work with partners and local communities in pursuit of supporting the town to meet its full potential.”
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