A flexible approach to policing in east Suffolk has been credited for “nipping in the bud” a spike in crime.

Inspector Nick Aitken, who oversees four local policing teams, said the ability to share resources had been instrumental in combatting a spate of criminal damage in Saxmundham last month.

The ordinarily quiet market town saw its reported crime rate almost double during December with 15 similar offences reported through the month.

Mr Aitken said that by deploying PCSOs from neighbouring teams, such as Framlingham, the problem has since been resolved and a number of arrests made.

“It’s about looking at the bigger picture, using resources effectively and not being too precious about borders,” he said.

“It makes it a lot easier for us and certainly helped nip it in the bud.”

As a result, a 16-year-old boy was charged with two incidents and four other teenagers have been arrested in connection with 38 criminal damage offences in Saxmundham over the past few months.

Three have now been released on bail until February 6 while the fourth is bailed to return to on March 10.