Officers who launched a dedicated operation to crack down on anti-social behaviour over the summer have reported a successful start to the campaign.

Ipswich Star: Police have attended landseer Park for anti-social behaviour issues. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPolice have attended landseer Park for anti-social behaviour issues. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Operation parkland was launched by Suffolk police at the beginning of July, with the express purpose of targeting anti-social behaviour in hotspots, and tackling regular offenders.

The scheme is running in Ipswich, Hadleigh, Felixstowe and Woodbridge, and features a team of officers tasked solely with stamping out the issue in problem areas.

Inspector Kevin Horton from the south west safer neighbourhood team said: “Operation Parkland has been operating for a month across the south of the region and we are pleased with how it is working.

“It has been welcomed by communities who have reported hotspots and concerns about anti-social behaviour issues over the summer months, and we will continue to take action against those who cause issues.”

Officers said one notable youngster suspected of involvement in anti-social moped use and drug dealing in Ipswich had been charged, while a series of community protection warning letters had been issued with conditions attached in some of the problem areas.

The operation is expected to run until mid-September.

Among problem areas identified by officers with the help of councils, committees and community groups are Rushmere Golf Course, the Selkirk Road shops, Landseer Park, Bramford Lane allotments, Hawthorn Drive shops, Ulster Avenue, Meridian Rise estate and St Clement’s Church Lane in Ipswich.

In Felixstowe, Sea Road and the Leisure Centre car park are hotspots, as well as the Tesco retail park in Woodbridge and parks in Hadleigh, Belstead and Tattingstone.

One resident told police on the Meridian Rise estate said their lives had “returned to normality” after youth anti-social activity was broken up.

Sergeant Domenic Mann added: “We understand the negative impact that anti-social behaviour can have on communities and tackling it remains a force priority.

“Safer Neighbourhood Teams deal with youth based ASB, street-drinking, begging and the anti-social use of motorbikes and vehicles.

“This action plan will focus on all of these areas and will aim to positively engage with those involved to deter offending.

“For those who are unwilling to respect their communities, we will also take positive, appropriate action against them.”