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# Police initiative slashed night-time violence in Ipswich but remains shelved 12 months on
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/police-initiative-slashed-night-time-violence-in-ipswich/
- Published: 2025-04-08T14:24:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:15:30.000Z
- Description: A seven-month project hailed by the College of Policing for its success in reducing night time crime at Ipswich venues has not been reinstated twelve months later.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Policing, #article, Suffolk Constabulary, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** According to police, the initiative demonstrated remarkable success, with one Ipswich venue seeing sexual and serious violent offences drop by 90%, while another recorded a 40% reduction.

**The big picture:** Despite clear evidence of effectiveness, no concrete plans have been announced to reinstate the programme 12 months after its conclusion, raising questions about long-term commitment to successful nighttime crime prevention strategies.

![Dan Peck of Suffolk Constabulary](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1744122059-dan-peck-edited-1.png)

Acting Inspector Dan Peck of Suffolk Constabulary (Suffolk Constabulary)

**The success story:** The project tackled rising night-time economy violence through targeted collaboration with venues:

- One Ipswich nightclub reduced incidents from 32 to just 9 (72% overall reduction)
- Another venue cut incidents from 79 to 46 (42% overall reduction)
- Countywide, 75 fewer crimes were recorded, saving an estimated £99,000
- Sexual or serious violent offences associated with venues fell by 47% across Suffolk

**How it worked:** Nightclubs appointed dedicated "welfare officers" and implemented measures including offering free soft drinks to vulnerable patrons, creating "chill out" spaces, conducting drug testing on arrival, and using breath-testing devices to reduce conflicts.

**What they're saying:** Acting Inspector Dan Peck said: "Violence in the night-time economy and specifically violence against women and girls makes headlines and can cause a fear of crime. The scanning of data in Suffolk shows we are a really safe county to live in but I believe there is always something police can do to protect people."

**The funding question:** A Suffolk Police spokesman explained: "We are looking at alternative funding opportunities to build on this project. This follows extensive evaluation by the Constabulary both of the aims but also the outcomes of this time-set scheme."

**The case for continuation:** The seven-month initiative was designed with specific objectives and timeframe, suggesting it may have been conceived as a pilot programme rather than an ongoing operation.

However, the project's success in reducing incidents, particularly against women, provides a strong argument for continuation with cost savings potentially offsetting a portion of the programme's cost.

**The challenges ahead:** Securing sustainable funding for preventative policing initiatives remains difficult amid competing priorities. The project also required significant coordination between police, venues, and community partners, which takes resources to maintain.

**The bottom line:** While the College of Policing has highlighted the project as exemplary practice, converting a successful trial into a permanent programme requires committed funding and resources – a familiar challenge in public services despite demonstrable success.

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