Suffolk Constabulary project aimed at cutting crime linked to licensed premises, including in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, hailed by College of Policing

A seven-month project aimed at preventing crime linked to licensed premises in Suffolk has been hailed by a national training body.

Between September 2023 and March 2024, Suffolk Police and staff in the licensing team worked with five nightclubs in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.

Officers worked with the venues to help reduce serious violence and sexual violence, particularly against women, and cut the opportunities for offending.

These measures included drug testing on arrival as a condition of entry into venues, using breath-testing devices to reduce conflict with door supervisors and offering free soft drinks.

Another initiative was the creation of night-time economy (NTE) engagement nights, which involved targeted visits and patrols in vulnerable areas as well as distributing anti-spiking silicone cup covers/bottle tops.

The results of the project were compared with incidents recorded between September 2022 and March 2023, revealing 75 fewer crimes and a reduction in demand of nearly 40 per cent.

This saved Suffolk Constabulary approximately £99,000.

The findings were published by the College of Policing, a national training body.

Acting inspector Dan Peck said: “To have the agreement from the College of Policing to publish our work on the Practice Bank, which showcases significant policing practice across England and Wales, is a real privilege.

“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.

“Those, generally, young people who venture into the NTE may become vulnerable and this project put the onus on venues to recognise that vulnerability, act and create safe spaces.

“Putting the onus on venues to introduce early intervention creates a long-term sustainable solution for policing.”

The project also recorded a 47 per cent reduction in sexual or serious violence offences, with more than 2,700 people directly benefiting from club welfare officers and police intervention during patrols.

Suffolk Police is exploring alternative funding opportunities to continue this work.