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Suffolk County Council to discuss Ipswich-specific knife crime action plan

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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

A new motion calling for an Ipswich-specific knife crime strategy has been tabled at Suffolk County Council. The proposed strategy has previously faced opposition from borough councillors.

Why it matters: The pilot scheme could become a blueprint for tackling knife crime across Suffolk, building on recent police successes in reducing violent crime.

The big picture: The motion, proposed by Councillor Sam Murray and seconded by Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, comes amid continued efforts to eliminate knife crime across Suffolk through partnership working.

A police cordon at a crime scene
bbing in St Stephen's Lane on 21 September reignited debate over knife crime strategyOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Recent history:

  • A stabbing in St Stephen's Lane on 21 September reignited debate over knife crime strategy.

  • At a council meeting on 18 September, councillors clashed over whether Ipswich needs its own dedicated strategy.

  • Labour councillors maintain that existing partnerships are sufficient.

  • Conservative councillors argue for an Ipswich-specific approach.

The proposal:

  • The proposal asks the Safer Stronger Communities Board to investigate piloting a knife crime action plan specifically for Ipswich.

  • The council acknowledges that enforcement alone won't solve the issue.

  • If successful, lessons learned from the Ipswich pilot could be applied to other parts of Suffolk.

What they're saying: "It's been a long journey," said Councillor Murray. "I am hopeful with unanimous support from SCC Councillors, enough weight is added to the cause for the Safer Stronger Communities Board to give this request serious consideration."

Councillor John Cook had previously stated that addressing knife crime through existing partnerships was "the best approach" rather than creating a separate strategy.

Next steps: The proposal will be discussed at the next meeting of the Safer Stronger Communities Board, scheduled for March 2025.

The bottom line: While knife crime has decreased across Suffolk, debate continues between those calling for an Ipswich-specific strategy and those who believe existing county-wide measures are sufficient.

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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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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