Communities in Ipswich are to be encouraged to give their views on how to respond to the growing gang and drug-related violence in the town.
In the wake of new research by the University of Suffolk, the Borough Council has called for an immediate increased police presence on the streets.
The initial focus of the research was on the Jubilee Park and Nacton Road areas of Ipswich, where residents and agencies had become increasingly concerned about the levels of crime, youth gang activity, drug dealing and distribution and the possible exploitation of children and young people. However, the scope was widened to cover Ipswich as a whole to ensure the full picture was understood.
The research was commissioned by Suffolk County Council and carried out by Dr Paul Andell, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Suffolk and Visiting Professor of Criminology, Prof. John Pitts.
Both councils, the Police and other agencies are working together to develop an action plan to deal with the violence – and the reasons behind it – but the Borough wants a more visible police presence now.
Public engagement is crucial and the debate is being widened to include the community directly at the next round of Ipswich Borough Council’s Area Committees.
The meetings are open to all and the gang violence discussion will be in addition to usual community business.