Ipswich Star Column: 19.03.26: Delivering Safer Streets in Ipswich

This week was a tragic reminder of the human cost when violence touches our communities. A woman has been found dead at a home in Ipswich, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, as the police continue their investigation.   

My thoughts are with her family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. I know this will be deeply felt across town, and many residents will be shocked and saddened by this devastating news. 

People want to feel safer in Ipswich. It is one of the issues that is regularly brought up with me, and I am absolutely committed to making our town much more welcoming. 

That is why programmes like Clear, Hold, Build are so important. It has been a year since it launched in Ipswich. This is a Home Office tactic that takes an evidence-led approach to tackling serious and organised crime while strengthening long-term community resilience. 

Over the past 12 months, we have seen real, measurable progress in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in our town. 

Progress that would not have been possible without the tireless work of our dedicated police officers, supported by Ipswich Borough Council, and other community partners who are all playing their part. 

Crime levels are at their lowest for nine years. There has been a sustained year-on-year decline since 2022, with a 13% reduction in overall crime. Knife and violent crime are down, and drug prosecutions are up. 

It shows what can be achieved when government supports local organisations to work together with a shared focus on making our town safer. It is a testament to the power of partnership when national initiative meets local drive and determination. 

Work has focused on areas within Westgate and Gipping wards, selected following extensive data analysis and local intelligence. 

The initial Clear phase has delivered very encouraging results. In the first year, 212 arrests were made, with custodial sentences totalling 53 years. That’s over 200 criminals taken off our streets and put behind bars where they belong.  

Alongside these arrests, our police officers seized £48,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, carried out 116 drug seizures, and took 117 vehicles and 75 dangerous weapons off our streets.  

Whilst impressive, these are not just statistics: they represent safer streets and stronger communities. 

These results are only possible because of the efforts of our hard-working and diligent police officers, who have conducted 500 extra hours of patrols since enforcement activity began. Targeted days of action have tackled illicit goods, modern slavery, road safety, organised crime and fraudulent documentation. 

Our officers deserve our sincere thanks for the professionalism and commitment they show in keeping our town safe. 

But enforcement is not – and can never be – the whole picture. 

Building strong and resilient communities requires more than rooting out criminals or removing drugs and weapons from our streets and neighbourhoods. The goal is not reducing crime temporarily but making neighbourhoods more connected and less vulnerable to criminal exploitation. 

That is why community engagement is so integral to this programme, which is about listening as much as acting, because a stronger, safer, more resilient Ipswich can only be built with residents, not imposed on them. 

Over 500 community engagements have taken place, including neighbourhood surveys, action days, family events and joint patrols. Council and police teams have visited over 150 homes to hear directly from local people about their aspirations, concerns and ideas for improving the area.  

This is about meeting people where they are, ensuring they feel heard, supported and involved in shaping their community.  

One particularly important development to arise directly from these conversations, is a new community asset map highlighting the strength and potential of local organisations that will form the backbone of long-term support. 

As the programme moves into its next phase, this partnership approach will grow. The focus is now on consolidating the progress made over the past year and continuing to build an Ipswich that is safe, resilient and welcoming. 

This week was a tragic reminder of the human cost when violence touches our communities. A woman has been found dead at a home in Ipswich, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, as the police continue their investigation.   

My thoughts are with her family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. I know this will be deeply felt across town, and many residents will be shocked and saddened by this devastating news. 

People want to feel safer in Ipswich. It is one of the issues that is regularly brought up with me, and I am absolutely committed to making our town much more welcoming. 

That is why programmes like Clear, Hold, Build are so important. It has been a year since it launched in Ipswich. This is a Home Office tactic that takes an evidence-led approach to tackling serious and organised crime while strengthening long-term community resilience. 

Over the past 12 months, we have seen real, measurable progress in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in our town. 

Progress that would not have been possible without the tireless work of our dedicated police officers, supported by Ipswich Borough Council, and other community partners who are all playing their part. 

Crime levels are at their lowest for nine years. There has been a sustained year-on-year decline since 2022, with a 13% reduction in overall crime. Knife and violent crime are down, and drug prosecutions are up. 

It shows what can be achieved when government supports local organisations to work together with a shared focus on making our town safer. It is a testament to the power of partnership when national initiative meets local drive and determination. 

Work has focused on areas within Westgate and Gipping wards, selected following extensive data analysis and local intelligence. 

The initial Clear phase has delivered very encouraging results. In the first year, 212 arrests were made, with custodial sentences totalling 53 years. That’s over 200 criminals taken off our streets and put behind bars where they belong.  

Alongside these arrests, our police officers seized £48,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, carried out 116 drug seizures, and took 117 vehicles and 75 dangerous weapons off our streets.  

Whilst impressive, these are not just statistics: they represent safer streets and stronger communities. 

These results are only possible because of the efforts of our hard-working and diligent police officers, who have conducted 500 extra hours of patrols since enforcement activity began. Targeted days of action have tackled illicit goods, modern slavery, road safety, organised crime and fraudulent documentation. 

Our officers deserve our sincere thanks for the professionalism and commitment they show in keeping our town safe. 

But enforcement is not – and can never be – the whole picture. 

Building strong and resilient communities requires more than rooting out criminals or removing drugs and weapons from our streets and neighbourhoods. The goal is not reducing crime temporarily but making neighbourhoods more connected and less vulnerable to criminal exploitation. 

That is why community engagement is so integral to this programme, which is about listening as much as acting, because a stronger, safer, more resilient Ipswich can only be built with residents, not imposed on them. 

Over 500 community engagements have taken place, including neighbourhood surveys, action days, family events and joint patrols. Council and police teams have visited over 150 homes to hear directly from local people about their aspirations, concerns and ideas for improving the area.  

This is about meeting people where they are, ensuring they feel heard, supported and involved in shaping their community.  

One particularly important development to arise directly from these conversations, is a new community asset map highlighting the strength and potential of local organisations that will form the backbone of long-term support. 

As the programme moves into its next phase, this partnership approach will grow. The focus is now on consolidating the progress made over the past year and continuing to build an Ipswich that is safe, resilient and welcoming.