A SUMMER of zero tolerance towards crime has been hailed a success today.Suffolk police has ended its seasonal initiative to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder and violent crime, and the force is thrilled with the results.

A SUMMER of zero tolerance towards crime has been hailed a success today.

Suffolk police has ended its seasonal initiative to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder and violent crime, and the force is thrilled with the results.

The campaign, which began in May, saw the re-launch of the constabulary's crackdown drugs hotline and the production of the Safe! magazine aimed at raising safety awareness among young women on nights out.

It also saw a clamp-down on drink driving during a five-week campaign; 1,542 weapons handed in during a five week knife amnesty in May and June; and 153 arrests during June in relation to drugs offences, during which a significant amount of class A drugs and cannabis plants were seized.

And during June and July a month-long drink drive campaign also saw 1,272 drivers breathalysed with 115 positive results.

Chief superintendent David McDonnell, head of Operations for Suffolk constabulary, said: “We have been delighted with the results from each of the campaigns and believe that the early intervention, zero tolerance approach to crime has proved to be very successful.

“Many months of planning have gone into this summer's events, and we have been encouraged by the results.

“The individual campaigns have all seen their own successes and we are pleased with the results.

“We must also acknowledge the public who have assisted us and cooperated throughout the campaign having not only taken on board crime prevention and safety advice, but also provided us with information to help us to catch those who continue to flout the law.

“We rely very heavily on information from the public and their continued help has meant we have been able to accurately target those who, for example, deal in drugs, drink drive or carry weapons.

“We will not become complacent, our work around all of these issues will continue and we will hopefully build upon the successes.

“It is not long before the Christmas celebrations start and we are already planning for this period.

“Rest assured Suffolk police will continue with the zero tolerance approach towards criminal behaviour to ensure Suffolk remains one of the safest counties in the country.”

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WEBLINK: www.suffolk.police.uk