Suffolk has been officially named as one of the three safest counties in England and Wales, according to data released on February 11, 2026. This ranking highlights the relative safety of the region for residents in Ipswich and across the county, as Suffolk continues to report crime levels significantly lower than the national average.
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that Suffolk recorded approximately 55.5 to 57 crimes for every 1,000 people. This low crime rate follows a 12-month period where total recorded crime across the county fell by 4.1 per cent.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore noted that the county has maintained a top-tier safety ranking for 18 consecutive months. He pointed to successes in specific areas, such as a 20 per cent reduction in knife crime, as key factors in improving community safety.
While the county remains exceptionally safe, data indicates a notable urban-rural divide. Crime rates in Ipswich are approximately 50 per cent higher than the Suffolk average, according to CrimeRate. To address this, Suffolk Constabulary is focusing on visible policing in the town centre to tackle issues like anti-social behaviour and violence in high-priority areas, such as the Alexandra ward.
Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) across the town are working to ensure that urban areas feel as secure as the rest of the county. These efforts include targeted management of the town centre to build on Suffolk’s current standing as one of the safest places in the country.
