Police in Ipswich have upped patrols around Ipswich Waterfront after a string of anti-social behaviour incidents have been reported in one car park.

The latest newsletter from Suffolk Constabulary’s Ipswich east safer neighbourhood team said that officers had received “a significant amount of calls” from those living at Athena Hall that vehicles were being used in an anti-social manner in the car park.

The car park does not have a barrier, and after 8pm is free.

It is understood that problems include young people driving their cars into the car park, playing music loudly and making noise late into the night.

A police spokeswoman said officers had upped their patrols, and were speaking to those involved.

She said: “In response to these concerns, officers from the local policing teams have been conducting increased patrols and speaking to those individuals who are using this area to cause a nuisance as a way to prevent it from happening.

“We have also been working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, the owner and the management company of the car park, to create a long-term solution as we acknowledge the distress that anti-social behaviour can cause.”

Athena Hall is one of the main halls of residence for the University of Suffolk students, but the incidents do not relate to students at the university.

A university spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the anti-social behaviour, and whilst it does not involve university students, we are concerned for any impact it may have on their welfare.

“We have raised it with IBC as the operators of the car park, and are working with the owners of Athena Hall, Arlington Associates, over any impact on the student residents.

“We are encouraging of the police in their efforts to tackle this issue.”

It follows a period of anti-social behaviour reported along the Waterfront and Suffolk New College grounds in September where youngsters were reported littering, playing loud music and driving anti-socially.

A spokesman from Ipswich Borough Council, which runs the car park, added: “We have been made aware of the problem and we have called a meeting with police and the site owners so we can get the situation resolved.”