Why it matters: The intensified police presence aims to provide visible reassurance to the community while targeting knife crime, serious violence and anti-social behaviour in hotspot locations across the town.
The details: Operation Spotlight was renewed in April 2025 with officers conducting foot patrols through the town centre and surrounding areas. According to police, the results from July and August include:
45 arrests
48 stop searches conducted (35 negative, 13 positive)
Two weapons seized
What they're saying: Suffolk Police said the additional patrols have allowed officers to identify problems and develop solutions based on community engagement and intelligence gathering.
"We understand the importance of officers being visible in the local areas and providing reassurance to the community," the force said. "Community input also creates great results so if you have any concerns in your area, do not hesitate to let us know."
Notable results: Several significant arrests were made during the two-month period:
20 August: An individual was arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs after officers found £500 in cash and approximately 100 self-sealed bags of cannabis during a stop search.
16 August: A suspect was arrested after drugs were found during a search. A subsequent search of their garage uncovered a burner phone, scales, mini sealed bags and drug paraphernalia, while a property search located a small ninja sword.
30 July: A man who ran from officers was caught and found with a large quantity of class A drugs. He broke an officer's finger during the arrest and has been charged with possession with intent to supply drugs and grievous bodily harm with intent to resist arrest.
24 July: An individual was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply drugs after a large quantity of cannabis and cash were found during a stop search.
For context: Other incidents included a vehicle being seized on Norwich Road on 18 August after the driver was found to have no insurance and was driving poorly, and a community resolution being issued on 3 August after cannabis was found during a stop search.
The bottom line: While the claimed figures demonstrate some success, Suffolk Police emphasised that visibility and community reassurance remain a priority, encouraging residents to speak with officers on patrol about any concerns.
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