15 June - Jack Abbott Welcomes New Powers to Shut Down Dodgy Shops

Crime figures in Ipswich are at their lowest for nearly a decade, but I know there is much more to do.

Government initiatives like Clear, Hold, Build and Operation Machinize are making an impact in Ipswich.

These national programmes, combined with the hard work of Suffolk Police, have resulted in a crack down on money laundering, tax evasion, and modern slavery, as well the removal of counterfeit goods and dangerous weapons from our streets.

But I know there is more to do, so that is why our Government will introduce new powers for the police and the courts will have the power to close down shops for an extended period of 12 months if suspected of criminal activity.

The new powers will ensure that, when premises are linked to criminality, they can be shut down for longer, giving police and partners the time and space they need to gather evidence, pursue prosecutions and identify the criminal bosses behind these businesses.

This follows the launch of a new national crackdown on organised crime operating across high streets at barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts, and sweet shops.

Criminals operating these businesses often go to significant lengths to conceal their identities and financial activity, making investigations complex and time-consuming as law enforcement agencies follow money trails and build cases against those responsible.

These measures will give the police and local authorities stronger tools to disrupt organised crime, prevent repeat offending, and protect honest businesses. It will also reduce the burden on the police and the courts by ending the need for repeated applications to extend closures.

There is no magic bullet to solving all the challenges that face us, but important changes like this, coupled with the efforts of our hardworking local police force, means that, bit by bit, we are taking back control of our high streets.