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Police go litter picking amid 'intensified action' against county lines drug gangs

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich Police launched a joint-litter picking mission with Ipswich Borough Council in Gippeswyk Park today, leaving some to wonder if this is the best use of resources in the fight against serious crime.

The big picture: The clean-up operation comes during what police recently described as a "campaign of intensified action" against serious crime in Ipswich to demonstrate their "relentless pursuit of offenders and to make Ipswich a hostile place for criminals who choose to involve themselves in the preparation and selling of illicit substances, use of violence, and exploitation of those most vulnerable within in our community."

What happened:

  • Officers joined an Ipswich Borough Council community safety officer

  • They searched Gippeswyk Park for drug-related litter

  • A "few items" were found but it wasn't made clear what those items were

  • The team also cleared "a load of smashed glass"

Why it matters: While cleansing our public spaces of "drug-related litter" is certainly no bad thing, critics could argue that an under-resourced police force may be able to deploy officers more effectively.

The bottom line: The sight of uniformed police officers picking up litter in a park, rather than directly targeting drug dealers or addressing the social issues that fuel drug use, may raise questions about resource allocation and strategy.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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