Operation Arctic to freeze out robbers

MORE than 500 post offices and small stores across Suffolk will be visited by police in a bid to reduce the number of robberies committed at those premises, it was revealed today.

As part of Operation Arctic, Suffolk police will hand-deliver a special pack containing crime reduction advice over the coming weeks.

Inspector Ben Cook, who is leading the drive, said: “As the clocks go back and the evenings get darker, criminals can take the opportunity to prey on stores.

“We want to give post office and shop managers information they can use to deter these people and keep themselves, their customers and their businesses safe. Simple things like locking staff doors and good outside lighting will help keep criminals at bay.”

The packs also contain information on the Raid-control scheme, which aims to gather evidence on criminals if there is a raid. The store can display the Raid-control sign at their shop if they comply with criteria including using CCTV, time-delay safes and indelible note-marking equipment.

High visibility patrols will also be carried out in vulnerable areas while the Post Office also has its own security service to gather, assess and spread information about suspicious incidents.

As a result of Operation Arctic 2007 and an investigation by Suffolk and Essex Police, Ipswich man Solomon Eastwood, 37, of West Meadows, was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term for committing three robberies in Norfolk and Suffolk and related firearms offences.

Neil Luckett, senior investigating officer, said: “The victims and witnesses who were present when these offences took place played a key part in the investigation. They went through a frightening experience but supported the inquiry throughout.

“This conviction and sentence should be a reminder to those individuals engaged in these types of offences that Suffolk is not a soft target.”