Police in Suffolk will be targeting drivers who text and talk behind the wheel as part of a week-long enforcement campaign.

Operation Ringtone started yesterday, Monday 15 April, and will run until Sunday 21 April, coinciding with a nationwide campaign led by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). 

Officers from the Roads and Armed Policing Team and Road Casualty Reduction Team will be carrying-out extra patrols using both marked and unmarked cars and motorcycles, all fitted with cameras to obtain evidence to help ensure successful prosecutions.

During the last campaign, which ran in September, officers issued 99 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) to drivers using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, Head of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "Research shows you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone.

"If drivers are using their phones they are distracted from the job at hand, meaning they are less likely to be aware of potential hazards and have slower reaction times.

"Driving while using a mobile phone is one of the ‘fatal four’ offences which makes you more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision, along with drink driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I whole heartedly support this Operation Ringtone campaign which will see a proactive week of increased enforcement across the county.

"Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives. It absolutely horrifies me when I see drivers on their phones and sadly, despite increased penalties, we see it all too often.  I will look forward to seeing if this week’s campaign shows any obvious sign of improvement.

He added, "I know I have said it before, but the best way to improve safety on our roads is for every driver to remember the fatal four and put your phone out of reach, belt up, watch your speed and don’t drink or take drugs if you are going to drive, that really shouldn’t be so difficult.”

16 Apr 19

Operation Sceptre, the national week of action against knife crime, took place between 11th and 18th March and was proactively supported by Suffolk Constabulary. The operation highlights the risks that carrying a bladed weapon can bring, as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives.

Officers carried out weapons sweeps in Alexandra Park, Christchurch Park in Ipswich as well as other public areas in the town centre.  A knife, three screwdrivers and scissors were recovered.

Police also delivered a number of knife awareness sessions into schools across the county as part of our revitalised programme of educational inputs to address the issues directly to young people and children.

Knife amnesty bins across the county exist to give people the opportunity to dispose of knives and blades safely. Since the Bin a Blade campaign was launched in Suffolk in 2011, 23,856 bladed items have been deposited and destroyed. A new knife amnesty bin was installed near the junction of Stricklands Road and Ipswich Street in Stowmarket on Monday 11 March.

Three knife bins are located in Ipswich (outside the Fire Station, Queen’s Way and Bramford Road) and at police stations in Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Sudbury and Haverhill.  Apart from the newly installed Stowmarket bin, the amnesty bins were last emptied in September 2018.

Full details for this news item including results can be viewed via the Suffolk Constabulary webpage - https://www.suffolk.police.uk/news/latest-news/03-04-2019/results-successful-knife-crime-week-action

Anyone with information on knife crime in their local community is asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101, or pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.

For more information and advice about knife crime do look at our website www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/personal-safety/knife-crime     

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3 Apr 19

Police are appealing for help to trace a 15 year old male by the name of Freddie Taylor missing from Bury St Edmunds.

Freddie Taylor was last seen at 15.30 hours on Monday 1st April 2019.

Freddie is described as a white male, 5’11 inches tall, with ginger hair, He is wearing a grey Boss tracksuit and black NorthFace Gilet, with black trainers. It is possible that he is in the London area.

Officers are concerned for Freddie’s welfare and are asking anyone who may have seen Freddie, or knows of her whereabouts to contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101, quoting Missing Person Ref 453815

Help us keep our communities safe.

3 Apr 19