DISGRUNTLED traders in an area of Ipswich are seeking a crime-fighting summit with police, politicians and community leaders following a series of burglaries.

DISGRUNTLED traders in an area of Ipswich are seeking a crime-fighting summit with police, politicians and community leaders following a series of burglaries.

The meeting, which is expected to take place on November 6, has been called by Gianni Falcucci, owner of Franco's in Upper Orwell Street.

His barbers shop was broken into overnight on Tuesday, the third time he has suffered a burglary in only two years.

Thieves made off with petty cash, credit cards and hair products.

The overall cost of the incident, including repairing the damage caused inside the shop, is expected to run to more than £3,500.

The incident follows similar raids at John Oliver hairdressers in Fore Street, at the Fletcher Centre in Crescent Road and at Ipswich Register Office in Grimwade Street.

Today, Mr Falucci said: “I want all the proprietors to come together to discuss what we can do to prevent this.

“This is a big problem in the area.

“There have been a number of disturbances and break-ins, all within walking distance.”

Mr Falucci, who is inviting top representatives from the police and the council to the meeting as well as Ipswich MP Chris Mole, plans to raise the idea of reinstalling CCTV cameras in the area.

“It was here before, but then it was gone,” he said.

“CCTV would certainly help.

“There are kebab shops down the road as well as a taxi rank. Everyone ends up here at the end of the night, it's where the majority of fights seem to take place, so cameras would help.”

Anyone with information about the burglaries should call Pc Shaun Taylor at Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Have you been a victim of crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or you can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk