Ipswich MP calls for more police action to tackle anti-social behaviour
This is so they can increase their presence in town centres
Last updated 13th Mar 2023
A Suffolk MP is urging our county's police to "move on" those carrying out anti-social behaviour in our town centres.
Tom Hunt- who represents Ipswich- has told us it's the issue his constituents are most worried about following a murder and sexual assault in mid-February and January.
Mr Hunt says more we need to change how some things are done.
"Often what we see is, if there's been a big incident, there will be a temporary big increase in Police presence but after that is all over, we seem to go back to having a scant police presence in the town centre.
"I would like to see a more permanent presence in the town centre, as I think it reassures people.
What has helped in the past and what should be done now?
MrHunt explained what previous methods he believes have helped to improve Suffolk's safety but comments on how more still needs to be done.
"We are getting extra police officers, already (we've) had over 130 extra officers since 2019 through the national uplift. "Suffolk has benefitted from this, like other constabularies we have also had other distinct payments through the safer streets fund and the shared prosperity fund.
"That's all good news but if we had a fair funding formula- we would get even more police".
"They the Police probably have powers necessary to be able to be more interventionist with men carrying out anti-social behaviour."
Working with the police
Mr Hunt has expressed a willingness to help the police and subsequently Suffolk as a result he told us. "I've said to them if they don't have enough powers and they'd like a more specific power they should let me know, they haven't let me know.
"I would like the Police to be more prepared to engage with those carrying out anti-social behaviour, have a zero-tolerance approach and move them on.
"It's not a good situation when you have thousands of my constituents who have lived in the town their whole life, who have never felt so unsafe in their town centre and then aren't going into it."
We reached out to Suffolk Police to see what plans they have for a safer Suffolk
Superintendent Andy Martin said: “In December last year, as part of Suffolk police’s continued commitment to visibility in the town centre and in consultation with our partners, we relocated the Kestrel team to the new station in Princes Street and created a new Community Engagement Officer role.
"The new visibility plan balances both the reality and perception of crime in the town centre, whilst offering a reassuring presence and deterring criminality.Â
"Our revised approach has had a positive impact since its implementation last year and continues to be reviewed on a regular basis in response to feedback and crime trends.
“We will continue to use police powers proportionately to combat anti-social behaviour but will always seek to engage with individuals and groups, regardless of background or gender, in the first instance to promote everyone’s enjoyment of Ipswich.
"This includes the many and varied groups that spend time in the town centre, throughout the week.”