News

Anger as man smashes windows of 17+ Ipswich town centre businesses in mindless act of vandalism

A skateboard-wielding vandal left a trail of destruction across Ipswich town centre overnight, with police reviewing extensive CCTV footage as they seek to remand the arrested suspect in custody.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Oliver Rouane-Williams

— 2 min read
Collage of smashed shop windows in Ipswich
17 businesses were affected by the mindless act of vandalism

Why it matters: At least 17 businesses in the town centre have been affected, with the possibility of more damage yet to be reported. Some businesses have been quoted north of £1,800 for repairs – a massive kick in the teeth for high street businesses already facing some of the strongest economic headwinds in recent times.

Temporary boards covered a smashed window at Honey + Harvey in Ipswich
Temporary boards covered a smashed window at Honey + Harvey in Ipswich Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
Two windows were smashed at opticians Observatory
Two windows were smashed at opticians Observatory Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
The Falcon was also affected by the mindless act of vandalism
The Falcon was also affected by the mindless act of vandalism Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
Significant damage was caused to Subway in town
Significant damage was caused to Subway in town Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
The soon-to-be Biryani Planet will have to fork out thousands to replace its windows before it has even opened to the public
The soon-to-be Biryani Planet will have to fork out thousands to replace its windows before it has even opened to the public Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
One window will need replacing at the Premier store
One window will need replacing at the Premier store Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

The details: Police were called to the town centre shortly before 12:40am today, Thursday 1 May, to reports that a man carrying a skateboard was smashing shop windows.

  • Officers quickly attended and located the suspect at Majors Corner where he was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
  • The 35-year-old man has been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he remains.

What we're seeing: Tradespeople have been spotted around town today measuring and replacing damaged windows as businesses rush to secure their premises and return to normal trading.

The damage spans at least seven streets in the heart of Ipswich's shopping district:

  • Princes Street
  • Tavern Street
  • Queen Street
  • Friars Street
  • Coytes Gardens
  • Falcon Street
  • Great Colman Street

What's next: Police are reviewing extensive CCTV footage and looking to remand the suspect. The motive for the vandalism spree remains unclear.

The bottom line: Witnesses – of which police confirmed there were several who have yet to come forward – or anyone with information are asked to contact Suffolk police quoting 37/23309/25 via the Suffolk Police website or by calling 101. In the event of an emergency, always call 999.

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