Police are increasing action against county lines and related youth gang violence crime in Ipswich after multiple arrests were made across a five-day period. 

Officers will be conducting warrants on properties in the town as well as interventions and safeguarding activity in terms of 'cuckoo' visits - where vulnerable people are exploited by drug dealers using their property. 

Between Friday, September 27 and Tuesday, October 1 police made 17 arrests in connection with suspected drug-related criminality, conducted six warrants and made eight visits to properties suspected of cuckooing.

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Superintendent Andy Martin, South Area Commander, said: “This activity demonstrates our ongoing and relentless pursuit of offenders and to make Ipswich a hostile place for criminals who choose to involve themselves in the preparation and selling of illicit substances, use of violence, and exploitation of those most vulnerable within in our community.

Superintendent Andy MartinSuperintendent Andy Martin (Image: Newsquest)

“We have come a long way over the past two years in tackling these issues and have achieved some excellent results.

"We want to send a clear message that we are not going to take our foot off the pedal and this surge in resources from across the county is one way of helping us to deliver that."

Police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore Police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore (Image: Gregg Brown) Officers will be liaising with the council, support agencies and charities to ensure they are providing support to vulnerable people. 

They will also conduct joint patrols such as intelligence gathering, enforcement activity and safeguarding with the relevant agencies. 

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Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, added: “I fully support this dynamic, targeted approach being deployed in our county town.

“I hope this proactive activity sends out a clear message that criminals are not welcome in Suffolk.

“As I’ve said many times before, the constabulary cannot deal with these issues alone, so I am very pleased to see this multi-agency approach.”