The number of violent and sexual offences reported in Ipswich has declined in the first five months of this year, according to the latest figures.

A total of 876 incidents relating to violent and sexual offences have been reported in Ipswich from January to May this year compared to 954 reported over the same period in 2022.

There were more than 170 incidents reported every month in Ipswich relating to violent and sexual offences by the end of May this year, according to figures released by Police.UK.

Violent and sexual offences can include incidents from pushing a person to cause injury to rape and murder.

 

Ipswich Star: Superintendent Andy Martin. Credit: Suffolk ConstabularySuperintendent Andy Martin. Credit: Suffolk Constabulary (Image: Suffolk police)

Commander for Ipswich, Superintendent Andy Martin, said: "The impact of high-profile incidents, media coverage and public campaigns encouraging victims to report both recent and historical offences to the police is likely to result in annual variations in the number of violent and sexual offences recorded.

"In Ipswich, we have significantly increased our presence in the town following a new visibility plan implemented in December 2022 and we are a key partner in the successful Safer Streets funding bid of almost £500,000 put forward for the town, focussing on violence against women and girls in particular, through a variety of means, including improving environments and CCTV.

"There are also a number of active operations to address and tackle drug-associated criminality, including anti-social behaviour, drug use, gang violence, drug dealing and youth violence.

"Collectively, we are absolutely committed to preventing violence, pursuing perpetrators, supporting victims and continuing to strengthen and improve our response to ensure the safety of our communities.

"We are determined to continue to make Ipswich a hostile environment for those who commit crime, and we will always seek to bring anyone who does so to justice.