Revealed: Ipswich police tackling 12 violent crimes a day

Supt Kerry Cutler said Suffolk was one of the safest places in the country as she reassured worried residents. Picture: PHIL MORLEY (Image: Archant)

Statistics revealed by Suffolk police in its latest safer neighbourhood team reports for November showed that across the three Ipswich teams, an average of 88.9 violent crimes were reported each week.

Other figures included more than three rapes a week, which were largely believed to be domestic, and 76.9 thefts a week (around 11 per day).

Superintendent Kerry Cutler, Ipswich area commander, said: “I think the figures highlight what’s been going on for some time. I think they give a true indication of issues that are happening across the UK, not just Suffolk.

“Suffolk is not alone in this – if you look at every police force there has been a rise in violent crime.”

Among measures introduced are cybercrime teams and PCSOs who work in schools to highlight the issues surrounding gang and drug crimes.

The violent crime figures include things such as assaults and stabbings, but also domestic incidents behind closed doors, cybercrime, and historic cases which have been more challenging to deal with.

An incident such as two youngsters fighting at school would also be recorded as two assaults.

Tim Passmore, police and crime commissioner for Suffolk, said the county remained one of the safest in the country, but called for a multi-agency approach to tackle the issue.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner. Picture: Courtesy of Suffolk PCC. (Image: Archant)

“I fully understand and share local people’s concerns about the levels of violence,” he said.

“We can talk about resources but it’s the case that the constabulary are dealing with budgets. The way forward is about public sector reform and pooling resources, budgets and people to try and prevent it from happening.

“Everything possible is being done and we will continue to try and reduce the demand, and that will work if we pool resources.”

Supt Cutler added: “It’s that information that allows police to take action.

“We may not come rushing out the door straight away because we are putting the jigsaw puzzle together. We collate all of that information and we use that to target and take out individuals who need to be taken out. We have been really successful in doing this and we will continue to be successful.”

Supt Kerry Cutler said that even with unlimited reources stationing officers on every street corner would not prevent crimes such as cybercrime and those behind closed doors. Picture: ADAM HOWLETT (Image: Archant)