Suffolk Constabulary has recently launched two new teams of officers dedicated to town centres across the county. The two teams provide high-visibility, targeted patrols in hotspots to reduce crime and catch offenders.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore said:"Local policing is at the very heart of what our communities want, and I’m pleased to see these town centre teams adding an extra layer of visibility in our town centres.
“The new teams are providing increased patrols in our town centres and the results are impressive. This all helps to maintain Suffolk's enviable position as one of the safest counties in which to live, work, travel and invest and long may that continue."
Since the launch of the first team in February, overall the two teams have made 33 arrests, carried out 54 stop-searches and collated 461 pieces of intelligence – helping to direct future policing activity.
The teams work closely with local councils and Community Policing Teams to focus on local concerns reported by residents.
Some of the issues the team have recently targeted include shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, street-drinking and the anti-social use of e-scooters.
In Lowestoft and Ipswich, the team have seized several e-scooters for being ridden illegally, issuing over 30 tickets to riders. Elsewhere, they have been enforcing breaches of Public Space Protection Orders – seizing open containers of alcohol. In Haverhill and Sudbury, they have been focusing on anti-social behaviour. Finally, in Bury St Edmunds, following several checks of business premises with partner agencies including Trading Standards and HMRC, a large quantity of illegal tobacco was seized. This visit was directly as a result of community led intelligence.
Since February, the teams have spoken to over 3,000 businesses, members of the community and stakeholders in town centres across Suffolk, providing targeted patrols and bespoke crime prevention advice.
Inspector Josh Ives, who leads the team said: "The teams have been using a variety of police powers to reduce crime and ASB in town centres.
"This has included over 1,500 hours of hotspot patrolling. The team look forward to continuing to work closely with local residents and businesses, using feedback and data analysis to deliver the best service to the residents of Suffolk."