Police make 59 arrests in Ipswich crime crackdown

The big picture: The intensive enforcement period, which ran from 23 September to 25 October, saw officers target county lines drug dealing and youth gang violence across the town.

Why it matters:

• Drug offences made up more than half of the arrests, with 33 cases recorded.

• Police executed 23 warrants and conducted 104 checks on properties at risk of 'cuckooing' - where criminals take over vulnerable people's homes.

• Six people have been convicted and eight more charged and remanded.

• Officers seized multiple weapons including knives, an axe, a knuckleduster and a crossbow.

The operation has also disrupted drug supply lines between Ipswich and London:

• 20 additional arrests made in joint operation with Metropolitan Police.

• 32 charges authorised.

• 16 drug supply lines disrupted.

What they're saying: "This period of activity has brought some excellent results in terms of arrests, charges and seizures," said Superintendent Andy Martin.

"We know that the majority of crime takes place between individuals and groups known to each other who look to prosper through criminal activity and think little of the impact on others when their violence takes place on our streets."

By the numbers: Police data shows significant reductions in violent crime across southern Suffolk, including Ipswich, from April 2023 to March 2024 compared to the previous year:

• 28.2% reduction in knife crime with injury

• 27% reduction in knife crime without injury

• 8.2% reduction in non-knife violence without injury

• 6.5% reduction in non-knife violence with injury

What's next: Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said he "fully supports this dynamic, targeted approach" and hopes it "sends out a clear message that criminals are not welcome in Suffolk."

The bottom line: Residents who suspect drug dealing, gang activity or other crimes can report it online at suffolk.police.uk, by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.