Vehicle crimes in Ipswich have dropped by almost a quarter in the past three years, new figures have revealed.

Statistics from Suffolk Constabulary, which were released following a Freedom of Information Act request, show there have been a total of 6,442 vehicle crimes reported between 2010 and 2012.

According to the figures, the number of reported crimes have fallen from 2,430 in 2010 to 1,862 last year – a drop of 567.

Vehicle crimes include damage, vehicle interference, theft of and theft from motor vehicles.

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer has welcomed the reduction in vehicle crimes calling it “great news”. He said: “I don’t think anyone would be surprised that Ipswich has the highest number of vehicle crimes given it’s the largest town in the county.

“It’s very good news that vehicle crime has reduced by a quarter in the last three years.

“At a time when budgets are being squeezed, it shows it is possible to reduce these crimes that matter to people.

“The police need to keep up the good work which is to focus what resources they do have on these offences which are the most important to people, and vehicle crime is certainly one of those.”

Across Suffolk there were 23,286 vehicle crimes recorded between 2010 and 2012.

Of the county’s seven districts and boroughs, the worst place to leave a vehicle is Ipswich compared to the Mid Suffolk with a total of 1,766 incidents reported.

Vehicle crime across the county has reduced by 1,388 incidents since 2010 with 8,303 crimes reported in 2010 compared to 6,915 last year.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: “Vehicle crime is an area of concern for the Constabulary and one that is regularly looked at to see if there are any particular patterns emerging where issues can be addressed and advice given to vehicle owners.

“It is encouraging that the number of incidents of vehicle crime has decreased in the last year.

“Our crime reduction officers across the county and Safer Neighbourhood Teams regularly offer advice on the various crime prevention measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.”