A HIT squad swept through a troubled Ipswich estate today as part of a continued battle against the area's problems.Untaxed vehicles, incidents of fly-tipping and children playing truant were all targeted in the co-ordinated early morning swoops on the Gainsborough area.

A HIT squad swept through a troubled Ipswich estate today as part of a continued battle against the area's problems.

Untaxed vehicles, incidents of fly-tipping and children playing truant were all targeted in the co-ordinated early morning swoops on the Gainsborough area.

Representatives from the police, Suffolk county and Ipswich borough councils joined forces with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency as part of the crackdown.

It comes the day after the war being waged against anti-social behaviour in the area was hailed as trailblazing.

One untaxed vehicle seized from Raeburn Road today was wanted in connection with a hit-and-run incident in the west Midlands.

Other untaxed cars were also towed away from Robeck Road and Raeburn Road as part of the clean-up.

Rubbish dumped in the gardens of council-owned properties was also being taken, with other residents also given the chance to discard unwanted bulky goods.

Crime prevention advice was being issued to residents as part of the initiative, code-named Operation Hawke.

Dave Dring, east inspector for Suffolk police, said it had been a success.

He said: "Everybody is working together and I'm happy with the way it has gone.

"It's the second time we've done this and we're building on the experience of the last one. We've still got work to do in this area but we're trying to make things better."

Paul West, of Ipswich Borough Council, was among the three teams patrolling the area surrounding All Hallows Church, in Landseer Road.

He said: "With all the agencies working together, it's important we give a demonstration to the law-abiding public that things are happening and we're listening.

"It's important we tackle these issues. It's what the tax payers want to see."

Peter Monk, of Suffolk County Council, added: "There's no pre-warning to these initiatives and that's the way it's going to be in the future.

"The aim is not to have to do any more of these but we've got to deal with the issues in the area."

What do you think of the crackdown? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk