One in three offenders back to crime within a year as reoffending rates in Ipswich hit 4-year high

The big picture: Ministry of Justice figures show 1,320 offenders in Ipswich were released from prison, cautioned or handed a non-custodial sentence in the year to September 2022.

Of them, 426 went on to re-offend within a year.

This trend mirrors a national increase in reoffending rates across England and Wales.

By the numbers:

• 1,320 offenders in Ipswich were released from prison, cautioned or handed a non-custodial sentence

• 426 of these went on to re-offend within a year

• 28 reoffenders were under-18s

• Reoffenders in Ipswich committed an average of 4.9 new offences each

Why it matters: High reoffending rates highlight challenges within the criminal justice system in effectively rehabilitating offenders. It costs the UK economy an estimated £18 billion annually, according to social justice charity Nacro.

What they're saying:

• Tim Passmore, Police & Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, told Ipswich.co.uk: "There needs to be a full economic assessment of the cost of reoffending to the taxpayer and the waste of lives and lack of proper contribution to society."

Challenges facing ex-offenders: Passmore highlighted several key issues when asked about the challenges our town faces in reducing reoffending rates:

• Housing difficulties – for example, houses of multiple occupancy can be particularly challenging for many offenders

• Inadequate support while adjusting to civilian life – several brilliant local charities work with offenders, but they're over-stretched

• Potential exposure to difficult environments – particularly for those with addiction or mental health issues

• Lack of employment opportunities and money

Campbell Robb, CEO of social justice charity Nacro, also emphasised the importance of employment and stable accommodation in reducing reoffending risks, stating, "People who have left prison and are in stable accommodation are 50% less likely to commit further crimes."

Finding solutions: When asked about what could be done to reduce reoffending rates in the town, Passmore proposed several measures that he believes could help, including:

1. Better use of public sector procurement to provide job opportunities for ex-offenders

2. Improved skills training during detention

3. Expansion of the Integrated Offender Management scheme

4. Development of private-sector employment programmes

5. Enhanced supervision from probation services

Passmore praised local initiatives like Combat2Coffee and better-known private sector employers such as Timpsons and Bernard Matthews.

What's next: Passmore described reoffending as "a very serious matter that needs urgent attention." Therefore, it's no surprise that reducing reoffending will be a top priority in the new Suffolk Police and Crime Plan, due for consultation this autumn and implementation next April.

The bottom line: The rising reoffending rate in Ipswich reflects broader challenges in the criminal justice system, highlighting the urgent need for effective rehabilitation strategies and support for ex-offenders.