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Scammer targeting Suffolk businesses with fake council licence demands

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

A fraudster posing as a council worker is targeting licensed premises across Suffolk, demanding payments for supposed expired licences. Three businesses have already been targeted, with one making the payment.

The big picture: Suffolk Trading Standards and five local councils have issued an urgent warning after receiving reports of a man visiting licensed premises claiming to work for the local authority.

Why it matters: The scammer, who identifies himself as Matthew O'Donnell, is targeting licensed premises by:

  • Claiming their licences have expired

  • Demanding immediate payment of £206 for a 10-year licence

  • Providing bank account and sort code details that don't match official council records

A man on the phone at his cafe
A fraudster posing as a council worker is targeting licensed premises across Suffolk, demanding payments for supposed expired licences

How to spot the scam: Local authorities emphasise that they:

  • Never make unsolicited calls about licence payments

  • Don't send representatives to collect payments in person

  • Won't pressure businesses for immediate payment

What to do if you're targeted: Trading Standards advises business owners to:

  • Contact their local council's licensing department before making any payments

  • Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040

  • Call their bank immediately if they've made a payment

The bottom line: All Suffolk councils – including Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk, Babergh, East Suffolk and West Suffolk – are urging business owners to remain vigilant and verify any licensing payment requests through official channels.

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

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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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