Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CO3 · Essex
113
crimes in February 2026
Near national average
IP1 · Suffolk
373
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
Colchester has less crime — 113 vs 373 incidents in February 2026.
Ipswich recorded substantially more crime than Colchester in February 2026 — 373 incidents compared to 113, a 3.3x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Colchester sees higher rates of Anti-social behaviour (14) and Vehicle crime (11), while Ipswich has more Shoplifting (91) and Criminal damage & arson (26). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Colchester recorded fewer crimes than Ipswich — 113 vs 373 incidents. That is 70% fewer crimes. Ipswich is above the national average.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Colchester saw higher rates of Anti-social behaviour and Vehicle crime while Ipswich had more Shoplifting and Criminal damage & arson. Overall, Colchester recorded fewer total crimes (113 vs 373).