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# Vehicle thefts increase in Ipswich with town centre hit hardest
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/vehicle-thefts-increase-in-ipswich-with-town-centre-hit-hardest/
- Published: 2025-03-11T07:59:38.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:19:00.000Z
- Description: Vehicle thefts in Ipswich rose from 46 in January to 57 in February, with seven thefts in one evening in the Stoke area.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Crime, #article, Suffolk Constabulary, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** Police say the recent spate shows no one can be complacent about opportunist thefts, despite a reduction at the start of the year.

**The big picture:** Most incidents over the past two months have occurred in and around the town centre, according to Suffolk Police.

![A police car on Queen Street in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1739484602-police-car-on-queen-street-in-ipswich-4.jpg)

Most incidents over the past two months have occurred in and around the town centre, according to Suffolk Police Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**By the numbers:** The 57 thefts reported in February represent an increase of nearly 24% from January's figures.

**What they're saying:** T/Inspector Naomi Lofthouse said: "We had seen a decrease in the numbers of such incidents from earlier this year, particularly over the west and east side of Ipswich, however this recent spate shows no-one can be complacent to opportunist thefts, so it is important to make it as hard as possible for criminals."

**The details:** Police report that commonly stolen items include:

- Laptops
- Earbuds
- Games consoles
- Expensive designer clothing
- Wallets

**What to look out for:** Officers have also recorded "vehicle interference offences" where criminals try door handles to identify insecure vehicles.

**What's next:** Suffolk Police are encouraging people to report suspicious activity, remain vigilant and revisit their vehicle security measures.

**Help me do things:** Police advise motorists to:

- Always lock vehicles, even for short periods
- Keep windows fully closed
- Secure items attached to the outside of vehicles
- Take valuables with you, including mobile phones and wallets
- Hide electronic items and their mountings from view
- Mark tools clearly or store them in lockable boxes
- Park in well-lit, busier areas when possible
- Protect catalytic converters with manufacturer-approved locks

**The bottom line:** Anyone with information about vehicle thefts should contact Suffolk Police via their website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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