BUSINESSES in Ipswich have today claimed that there has been a drop in shoplifting since police carried out dozens of raids.

BUSINESSES in Ipswich have today claimed that there has been a drop in shoplifting since police carried out dozens of raids.

More than 250 officers were involved in a large scale operation in Ipswich last month, which targeted thieves, shoplifters and drug dealers, and ended with the arrest of 29 people.

Superintendent Alan Caton, the area commander in charge of Ipswich Police, has today praised the town centre's management, Ipswich Central, for its part in helping to snare the thieves and drug dealers through the work of its Street Rangers and Radiolink users.

Clare Bagley, Ipswich Central's safer businesses co-ordinator, said: “It was hugely rewarding to be involved with such an important operation. Many businesses have seen a drop in these offences after the operation. However, these offences will not just go away so we will continue to work closely with Suffolk Police in striving for a safer town centre.”

Supt Caton said: “Ipswich Central were an integral part of the operation and their Street Rangers and Radiolink radio users were vital in helping the police arrest a large proportion of the people we dealt with.

“On the second day of the operation the help and assistance of the Street Rangers, Radiolink Radio Users and Ipswich Borough Council helped to affect the arrest of over 50 per cent of the total persons arrested that day. That is highly impressive. It was good to have such excellent partnership.”

The raids started on June 2 and took place over three days. It was the largest ever operation of its kind conducted by the force and involved nearly 20 per cent of their manpower. Of those arrested, several were charged and have since faced their fate in court.

Do you think there is less crime on the streets of Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.