POLICE are redoubling their efforts to patrol the streets of east Ipswich, as a new inspector takes over the reins.Reassuring the public that police are on hand although major crime is rare, is a priority for Inspector Dave Dring who has taken over the role from Andy Solomon, now anti social behaviour network manager for Suffolk County Council.

By Tracey Sparling

POLICE are redoubling their efforts to patrol the streets of east Ipswich, as a new inspector takes over the reins.

Reassuring the public that police are on hand although major crime is rare, is a priority for Inspector Dave Dring who has taken over the role from Andy Solomon, now anti social behaviour network manager for Suffolk County Council.

Mr Dring has completed most of his service in Ipswich, having started out here 12 years ago, and is looking forward to the challenge of policing the area again.

He said: "There is a perception that some parts of east Ipswich, are suffering from a disproportionate amount of crime. What is evident, is that a small minority of offenders are behaving in and antisocial manner which is causing a great deal of concern to law-abiding members of the community. It my aim to build on the positive work that has been achieved by my predecessor and in particular to provide greater reassurance for communities that need it most."

Mr Dring is working on a project for the future to achieve a more locally-based approach. In the meantime, he wants to get out into the community as much as he can, while also being a duty inspector at Ipswich Police Station, and dealing with calls from the public.

He has already met councillors to discuss the area's issues, and said: "I do want to get out more and meet people.

"I want to get together with the people, and there are many, who are doing really good work in the community, like running youth clubs and the cyber café in Queen's Way."

Mr Dring spent eight years as a uniformed police officer in Ipswich, then worked in posts including being a drugs intelligence officer, and in CID, before he was promoted to a sergeant's position in Leiston.

He has also served as a detective constable, detective sergeant, and has been a detective inspector in Ipswich for the past year. He can be contacted at Ipswich Police Station on 01473 613500.