Suffolk's top cop says we can't be complacent with Covid

Steve Jupp says that while Suffolk's low Covid infection numbers are good news, we must all stay alert.

Here's the Chief Constable's exclusive monthly look at life across our county.

"Sadly, as we are all aware, the number of Covid-19 virus cases is rising across the country and, as a result, a new tier system has been introduced with appropriate measures to protect us all depending at what level of risk each area is in.

Currently, Suffolk is in Tier 1 with relatively low infection numbers. However, we are seeing figures rise in certain parts of the county and therefore we cannot be complacent.

I would urge us all to ensure that we continue to stick to the government guidance – if you are unsure of what this is please look at the government website which clearly indicates what we need to do.

I want to assure you the constabulary continually monitors the situation together with our partners, and the systems and processes that we put in place at the outset of the pandemic which have worked so effectively to date are currently still the backbone of how we are delivering operational policing. This is really challenging but my officers are reacting admirably, and the Constabulary still operates the 4 E’s (Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce),

We are readying ourselves for the winter and the challenges this brings, and we are prepared to continue to serve you.

In the West of the County Officers are being proactive in working with partners to target local priorities.Work is under way across the area to deal with those that cause anti-social behaviour through the use of their vehicles, with a number of operations taking place in Stowmarket over recent weeks which has seen some positive results including seizures of uninsured vehicles.

Similar targeted work has taken place in Bury St Edmunds. Local officers have been working with West Suffolk Council in respect of street drinking in the town centre resulting in no reports relating to anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking for a significant period of time.

In Sudbury, joint work with Babergh District Council has resulted in successful closure orders for two properties with a history of links to anti-social behaviour and drug use/dealing.

As a response to theft from motor vehicles Mildenhall officers have carried additional hours of foot patrol checking over 658 vehicles for insecurities and offering crime prevention advice to vehicle owners. Officers have also been targeting drugs and anti-social behaviour in the area of the Newmarket Sports Pavilion, with local officers engaging with residents around local concerns.

Furthermore, targeted work by the Rural & Wildlife Crime Officers in dealing with hare coursing has seen the team working alongside Haverhill officers and Essex colleagues in targeting those that are causing harm to our rural communities. This has resulted in some positive results including a number of arrests and the issuing of 10 Community Protection Notice warnings.

It is also worth noting the start of November will see the creation of the new Serious Crime Disruption Team, which will cover the west and east of the county and will support ongoing proactive work.

Last, but certainly not least, it was great to hear that two of my officers have been nominated for a National Police Bravery Award. Pc Jordan Tuck from Sudbury and PC Peter French from Stowmarket showed bravery, tenacity and dynamic thinking when they dealt with a shotgun-wielding male in a terrifying domestic incident who had threatened to kill three children. Both officers, fearing for their lives, were incredibly brave in getting children out of the house. The Police Bravery Awards honour officers from the UK who have performed outstanding acts of bravery and I look forward to joining them at the finals next year. Policing by its very nature is a courageous occupation and is recognised by all who serve as a policing family."

Steve Jupp, Chief Constable

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here: https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/news/crime/