Multiple arrests made as officers crackdown on street drinking in Ipswich town centre

Multiple arrests have been made and dozens of items seized after a crackdown on public drinking in Ipswich.

Officers patrolled hotspots in the town centre as part of Operation Proxy this week, seeking to target illegal street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

During this time, five arrests were made, including one for drunk and disorderly conduct.

In addition, two people were recalled to prison, with one also being booked for possession of class A drugs, while the other was suspected of stealing from a shop.

Another person was arrested on suspicion of arson and was detained under the Mental Health Act, while a final person was arrested on suspicion of dealing Class B drugs.

As part of the operation, officers also seized 36 alcohol containers under Public Space Protection Order powers and they stopped and searched two people.

They also received 15 intelligence reports from the public, which will be used for Community Protection Notices against prolific offenders.

Going into the future, officers will continue patrolling drinking hotspots as part of their normal routines, a spokesperson for Suffolk Police said.

In addition to street drinking, Operation Proxy also targeted aggressive begging and other disorderly behaviour.

The spokesperson added: “We continue to encourage members of the public to report anti-social behaviour of all types.

“If it is of a non urgent nature and not happening 'in progress' please use online reporting via the Suffolk Police website.

“However, if offences are occurring and offenders are on scene, call via 101 or 999.

“The more we are told about problem areas and prolific offenders, the more we can do to tackle their behaviour in the town.”