A POLICE crackdown on burglars and thieves has led to 16 arrests in Ipswich this week, police revealed today.

Simon Tomlinson

A POLICE crackdown on burglars and thieves has led to 16 arrests in Ipswich this week, police revealed today.

Suffolk police began phase two of Operation Bivalve on Tuesday to “sweep up” people suspected of house burglaries, thefts and vehicle crime.

Of the 16 arrested between Tuesday and Thursday, seven have been charged and bailed to appear at a dedicated court at 10am on Wednesday, October 7.

Three have been reported for summons to appear at the same court, four have been released on police bail pending further enquiries and two have been released with no further police action.

The operation, which originally launched in June, targets crimes that have a major impact on individual victims and the community.

Detective Superintendent Chris Mayhew, of the Organised Crime Directorate, today hailed the operation as a success.

He said: “This operation has been a huge undertaking and is the culmination of a long-term intelligence lead investigation.

“I'm extremely pleased with the accumulative results of the two phases and would like to give my thanks to the officers and staff who have worked so hard on this operation.

“Acquisitive crime, such as burglary, theft and vehicle crime, has decreased over the last 12 months. However, we felt there was even more we could do to tackle these crimes.

“The costs to society of these particular types of offences are significant. They impact on people's everyday lives and really impact on people's feeling of safety within the community they live and work.

“I hope this operation shows our residents that we want to make Suffolk an even safer place to live, work and visit.

“I also want to send out a message to anyone who is committing crime in Suffolk - it won't be tolerated and we will do out utmost to arrest and prosecute anyone involved.”

If anyone has information about criminal activity in their neighbourhood, please call Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Results of phase one of Operation Bivalve, which took place from June 2 to 4, 2009:

84 people arrested.

60 charged.

15 arrested and released on police bail to return to Ipswich Police Station pending further enquiries.

8 released with no further police action.

One person received a police caution.

People arrested and charged/reported in phase two of the operation, from September 22 to 24, 2009:

Jason Fayers, 27, of London Road, Ipswich - charged with five counts of theft.

Jayee Wolo, 22, of Foxhall Road, Ipswich - charged with handling stolen goods and fraud.

Kathryn Barter, 24, of Kelly Road, Ipswich - charged with five counts of handling and two offences taken into consideration.

Michelle Mutiso, 24, of Burlington Road, Ipswich - charged with four counts of handling.

Jazz Gratton, 19, of Turret Lane, Ipswich - charged with one count of handling.

Adam Calver, 27, of Richmond Road, Ipswich - charged with three counts of handling.

Kyle Page, 22, of Birkfield Drive, Ipswich - charged with two counts of handling.

A 19-year-old Ipswich man was reported for handlingx10, theft from motor vehicle x4, theft by finding x1 (and 2x TIC)

A 17-year-old Ipswich male was reported for burglary x1, theft in dwelling x1, handling x4 (and 7x TIC), theft from motor vehicle x1, possession of firearm x2, one count of theft of motor vehicle (TIC) and 1x make off (TIC).

A 31-year-old Ipswich man was reported for theft from vehicle x3 and burglary.