THE first week of a campaign to crackdown on anti-social behaviour in east Suffolk has been hailed a success by police.A total of 33 people have already been arrested as part of the initiative, which aims to tackle public place disorder and drugs and driving offences in the Waveney and Suffolk Coastal districts.

THE first week of a campaign to crackdown on anti-social behaviour in east Suffolk has been hailed a success by police.

A total of 33 people have already been arrested as part of the initiative, which aims to tackle public place disorder and drugs and driving offences in the Waveney and Suffolk Coastal districts.

Officers are also carrying out extra high visibility patrols in their communities targeting late night anti-social behaviour hotspots such as car parks.

Meanwhile planned drugs warrants are being executed and casualty reduction work is being carried out to reduce mobile phone use while driving, failure to wear seatbelts, speeding and drink driving.

The 33 arrests include six for criminal damage, five for producing cannabis, five for public disorder offences, three for possession of amphetamine and one each for causing an affray, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, common assault and being drunk and disorderly.

Phil Aves, acting superintendent at Suffolk Constabulary, said: “The first week has been a success both in terms of dealing with offenders and community engagement.

“This includes a number of successful drugs warrants and more are planned over the next three weeks. We have also seen reductions in the key categories we are targeting, including criminal damage and vehicle crime offence.

“We are determined to continue to be out on the streets making our presence felt.

“At this stage crime doesn't appear to be increasing as we approach the lighter evenings but we would ask residents and motorists to continue to take security measures, such as ensuring their homes are locked and not leaving valuables on view in vehicles and to report areas of concern so we can target our patrols.”

During the campaign, which was launched on March 19 and will run for a month, police are encouraging members of the public to use the community intelligence hotline.

To report anti-social behaviour, nuisance drivers or any suspected drugs activity contact 0800 783 9112.