POLICE and other agencies have come together for a blitz on anti-social behaviour and other social problems in part of south west Ipswich.

POLICE and other agencies have come together for a blitz on anti-social behaviour and other social problems in part of south west Ipswich.

The 'Impact' event, in the Triangle area of the town, saw pedestrian teams target antisocial behaviour, check on vehicle offences and underage sale of alcohol and cigarettes, and look for evidence of environmental crime such as graffiti.

The teams were selected from the Suffolk Police's crime reduction and safer neighbourhood team staff, Suffolk Fire and Rescue officers, Trading Standards officers, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Ipswich Borough Council staff, along with HM Revenues and Customs.

During the event, which coincided with the National Tackling Drugs Week, members from Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) joined pedestrian teams to provide advice and deliver information leaflets to residents in the area.

Charlotte Foster, the council's community safety officer, said: “These operations are important for various reasons. Particularly as they are a very visible and a clear sign to local people about the positive work being done in their neighbourhood.

“If officers identify a problem, whether it is an untaxed car or a dumped mattress, then they tackle it on the spot.

“By clearing, cleaning and giving advice, residents can see the impact straightaway.

“We are delighted that the event was so fruitful and productive for both the local community and officers.”

Suffolk County Council's Julie Caton said: “Impact officers wear high visibility jackets to give local people the chance to see agencies working together on the ground making a real difference to local areas, in this case south west Ipswich.

“It also allows agencies to tackle problems there and then, as well as picking up longer-term intelligence on local problems or issues.”

Results of the operation

Two pupils returned to school.

One pupil returned to primary school and advice given to parent.

Two pupils checked but had genuine reasons for being out of school.

Pricing and food labelling checked and training provided on underage-sales at local shop.

One potential rogue trader discovered.

Door-step trader advice and general consumer advice given to vulnerable residents.

Four graffiti spots found.

Two defective water hydrants found.

One item of stolen property retrieved.

More than 600 homes given crime prevention advice.

Five bottles of smuggled spirits found.

Five insecure vehicles identified.

Two cars with no insurance found.

One car found being driven with no insurance and no driving licence.