Suffolk Constabulary is issuing a robust message to anyone planning to organise an illegal rave, unlicensed musical event (UME), or party in the county ahead of the August bank holiday, as tougher measures to deter such activities come into force.

The Constabulary will adopt a zero-tolerance approach, clamping down on individuals who choose to break the law, risk spreading Covid19 and ruin peace in their community.

In the wake of the coronavirus people need to remember that most indoor gatherings of any size are now allowed, but subject to a limit of 30 for gatherings at private dwellings which includes gardens and other outdoor spaces.

Generally, public outdoor gatherings of more than 30 are not allowed and larger outdoor gatherings on public land are permitted only if they have been organised by a business, charity, public or political body, a risk assessment has been carried out, and all reasonable measures have been taken to limit virus transmission.

A new criminal offence in respect of unlawful gatherings comes into effect from today, Friday 28 August.

Those facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events, or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine – placing a new deterrent on the breaches that put the public most at risk.

Fines of £100 can continue to be issued to those who participate in illegal gatherings and those who have already received a fine will see the amount of doubled on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

UMEs are illegal, have no security, are not insured, and they are frequently associated with anti-social behaviour and violence. They cause disruption to those living nearby and can cause great distress through the noise, increased traffic and the damage to the environment.

Those attending put themselves at risk as the organisers won’t have considered public safety in their planning. There will be no toilets, no welfare provision and no instructions on what to do in an emergency.

People should remember that where recorded music is played for entertainment of members of the public or is provided for profit, it is a licensable activity and requires a licence. If the event goes ahead without a licence, then it is an UME.

The police have a range of powers to deal with such events, which include:

-         Directing persons preparing the event, attending at the event, or waiting for the event, to disperse

-         Power to enter on the land and seize equipment being used in the event

-         Stopping persons from proceeding to such an event.

Failure to comply with such directions is a criminal offence and equipment seized may be the subject of a court forfeiture order.

T/Chief Superintendent Marina Ericson, County Policing Commander, said: "We have no intelligence at this stage to suggest there is any likelihood of such an event taking place in Suffolk and we are grateful for people adhering to the rules on such events so far. However, we are mindful over recent weeks that elsewhere in the country these have taken place.

"Coronavirus still represents a real threat. Whilst we of course want people to have a good time, this needs to be done in a socially responsible manner, within the law, and with due regard for everyone’s safety. We have seen the effect where social distancing is ignored and the local lockdown measures that follow and we want to avoid this in Suffolk.

"Restrictions on gatherings are still in place and we will continue to engage with our communities, taking enforcement action where necessary. The new legislation means that those breaching the rules now face a significant financial penalty – potentially up to £10,000.

"To organisers of illegal raves and music events, you need to seriously consider the risks you’re placing on everyone in attendance, and understand that as organisers it is also your responsibility to keep people safe.

"Remember, professional event organisers have been establishing safe ways to hold outside music events through careful planning, adherence to government guidance and in liaising with the police and local authority.”

If you have any information that could assist the police in relation to unlicensed music events taking place please contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 22-year-old prisoner who absconded from Hollesley Bay has been arrested.

Help us keep our communities safe.

Police are appealing for witnesses or information following a burglary in Ashfield.

At some point between 7.45pm on Monday 3 August and 8.45am on Tuesday 4 August, offender/s forced entry into a barn and stole a number of items including a yellow Suzuki RM250 motocross motorcycle, three chainsaws, a strimmer, a helmet and a socket set, among other items.

Anyone with any information about this incident or who saw anything suspicious should contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference numbers: 37/44706/20 and 37/44754/20

Website – http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Email – Sally.Brash@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Phone – Call 101

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Police are appealing for information following an attempted shed burglary in Earl Soham.

At some point between 11am Monday 27^th and 2pm Tuesday 28^th July entry was gained to a rear garden in Cobbold Row in the village.  A sharp implement was used to cut through the bolt to access the garden shed.  Nothing was stolen.

Can you help?

If you have any information about this crime please contact Suffolk police quoting crime reference 37/43082/20.

Website – http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Phone – Call 101

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Information about shed & garage security can be found on the Suffolk Police webpage www.suffolk.police.uk or via this link - http://www.suffolk.police.uk/sites/suffolk/files/shedandgaragesecurity1.pdf

Help us keep our communities safe.

With the start of the summer holidays, people are beginning to take some well needed breaks.  Whether you are away for a few days or longer, or even enjoying a Staycation in the garden or a holiday home, please take every opportunity to ensure that criminals are not able to spoil your day by following a few simple steps:

• Always lock your external doors, even when you are at home. 
• Check the doors and windows are secure before leaving the house or at night, especially doors like French doors. Don’t assume another member of the household has done it.
• Don’t leave keys in the locks or within reach or sight of the door or window. Make sure you have a fire plan so everyone in the house can leave quickly in the event of an emergency.
• Windows should be left secure when the room is unoccupied.
• Never leave a door or window insecure to allow a pet or family member access.
• Never leave car keys within reach or sight of the doors or windows. 
• Lock cycles in a secure shed or garage. Fit a secure ground anchor and lock them to that too. 
• Always lock tools away after working in the garden to prevent them being used to force entry. 
• Ensure your rear garden is secure and lock gates. 

For further advice and a simple home security self-assessment, please use the following link Home Security Checklist

Police are appealing for witnesses to two incidents of high value farming equipment being stolen in mid Suffolk.

The first incident took place at a farm at Framsden that took place at some point between Tuesday 7 July and Monday 13 July. A ‘Star Fir 2630’ GPS receiver unit and the in-cab display were stolen from a combine harvester that was stored in a barn.

A second incident took place between Friday 10 July at 6pm and Saturday 11 July at 6.30am from a farm in Elmswell. The offenders entered the yard containing numerous farming machines and tractors and combine harvester and drilled the lock out of five vehicles stealing the GPS systems. The value stolen in this incident is estimated be in the region of £100,000

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity, has experienced similar attempted theft of such equipment or has knowledge of being offered such GPS devices for sale is asked to contact Stowmarket police, quoting crime reference 37/39507/20 for the Framsden theft and 37/39046/20 for the Elmswell theft.

Farmers and landowners are asked to review farm security and familiarise themselves with the below First Principal guidance

https://www.suffolk.police.uk/sites/suffolk/files/farmsecurity1.pdf

Website – http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Phone – Call 101 

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Suffolk Constabulary is warning pet owners to take extra care after seeing a number of dog thefts this year. 

Sergeant Brian Calver said: "Organised crime groups are actively targeting addresses, with working breeds tending to be those that are favoured by criminals.  

"The loss of any pet can be devastating to owners, with the added trauma of not knowing what sort of conditions the dog is being subjected to. We would advise dog owners to review security of any outdoor kennels.” 

There have been 12 confirmed cases where dogs have been stolen within the county this year, and Sgt Calver said all bar one of the incidents involved the theft of dogs that would be classed as working gun breeds. 

Security measures to prevent thefts include good quality locks and lighting, while consideration should be given to CCTV and sensors as these offer an early alert to the presence of intruders.  

Gardens should be well secured with fencing or hedges, while gates should be kept locked.  

Owners are advised not to leave dogs out in open gardens and yards when they are not at home and, if possible, they should be brought into the house overnight.  

Ensure your dog is chipped and, if neutered, mark the dog’s tag as such as this makes them less attractive to thieves that may want to steal them for breeding. When out walking, if you let your dog off the lead, don’t allow it to leave your sight. 

Sgt Calver also advised dog owners to ensure they were not giving away personal details online. 

He said: "Consider your security on social media and avoid giving away details that may highlight your address and the fact you have a dog which could be attractive to thieves.  

"We would encourage you to be vigilant of suspicious persons seen around addresses, or any cold callers. Please report such activity, with descriptions of the individuals and their vehicles, as well as sharing those concerns on local watch groups.” 

Sgt Calver also urged owners of other pets to be wary of thieves, saying birds had been stolen too. 

Anybody with any information regarding the theft of dogs or other pets is encouraged to contact Suffolk police via:

Website: http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Phone – call 101

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999. 

General crime prevention advice can be found by visiting www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z

Over 2,000 motorists were caught speeding in Suffolk during a recent two-week enforcement campaign.

 The initiative - which took place between Monday 25 May and Sunday 7 June - was co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and saw an increased amount of checks and enforcement across the county, whilst promoting the message #SlowDownSaveLives.

Officers spoke with drivers during the campaign, aiming to highlight the dangers of speeding and informing them of the risks and consequences that driving above the limit can have.

During this year’s campaign a total of 2,100 motorists were caught speeding, 1,721 of which were caught by fixed/mobile cameras, while the remainder were caught by police officers on patrol.

Of those caught speeding 1,472 were cars, nine were motorcycles, 595 were vans and 24 were lorries.

Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, Head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team, said: "It is encouraging that as we have seen traffic flow steadily increase with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, a large majority of drivers have stuck to the speed limits.

"We work closely with our partners all-year round to target those that chose to drive too fast as speeding is one of the ‘fatal four' offences which makes you more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision - alongside drink driving, driving whilst using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt.

"Speed limits are in place for a reason – the limit is set at the maximum safe speed to travel on a particular stretch of road. Drivers shouldn’t use these limits as targets; there are always other factors to consider including other road users, levels of traffic and weather conditions. The faster you are travelling, the less time you have to react to the unexpected and stop safely.”

Suffolk's Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "Over the past couple of months most of us were staying at home in line with Government guidance and this naturally meant there were fewer vehicles on our roads, which had a positive impact on road safety during this critical time.

"As the lockdown eases we need to keep up the good work and continue to drive responsibly.  For the the irresponsible individuals who continue to drive at excessive speeds I’d like to warn them that our roads policing team continues to enforce speeding and if you are caught you will be prosecuted.

"Enforcement of the speed limits, which are there to help improve road safety, benefits all road-users.  I know I speak on behalf of my Roadsafe partners when I say, please stick to the limits and keep yourself and others safe.”

Infographic of the full results via https://www.suffolk.police.uk/news/latest-news/22-05-2020/slowdownsavelives-speeding-campaign-results

Officers are appealing for witnesses or information after a serious road traffic collision involving a van and a cyclist in Helmingham.

Police were called yesterday, Monday 22 June, at just before 1:10pm to reports of a collision involving a woman cyclist and a Ford Transit van on the B1077, approximately a mile south of Helmingham village.

Emergency services attended the scene, and the cyclist, a woman in her 40s was taken by Air Ambulance to Addenbrooks hospital having sustained serious head injuries as a result of the collision. She remains in hospital at this time and her condition is described as critical.

The van involved was a white Ford Transit van with a distinctive orange light on the roof which was travelling southbound towards Ashbocking/Ipswich.

Police arrested the two occupants of the van at the scene on suspicion causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The man and woman have been taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre where they will be questioned by officers.

The road was closed for several hours to allow an investigation into the circumstances of the incidents to get underway and has now re-opened.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone who was driving in that area today, either immediately before or after the collision, and who has a dashcam fitted in their vehicle to contact the Roads and Armed Policing Team quoting CAD 199 of 22 June via

Dash-cam report form - http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/9-dashboard-camera-report-form

Email – Paul.Jackson@suffolk.pnn.police.uk          

Phone – Call 101

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999