East Suffolk: Flexible policing praised for “nipping in the bud” spike in crime
Inspector Nick Aitken
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.
Most Read
- 1 McKenna on Hladky and Bakinson futures
- 2 Controversial statue on Stowmarket roundabout gets green light
- 3 Husband sues hospital over 'medical neglect' death of wife
- 4 5 of the prettiest villages in Suffolk
- 5 Go-ahead given for 74 new affordable homes for Suffolk town
- 6 'Let's turn this into a fortress' - Town season ticket sales hit 16k
- 7 Greater Anglia warns of further severe disruptions as more strikes planned
- 8 Mike Bacon: A perfect start to hopefully a perfect season
- 9 Plans for second village school scrapped in favour of bigger site
- 10 7 roadworks Suffolk drivers should be aware of this week
Three have now been released on bail until February 6 while the fourth is bailed to return to on March 10.
