The Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team has teamed up with its partners Forest Heath District Council and Suffolk County Council to tackle criminal damage in the town.

Sergeant Liam Garrard says the area has seen a rise in damage and anti-social behaviour this autumn. “The Safer Neighbourhood Team has received numerous complaints of damage and youth nuisance. This type of crime and disorder can really blight a community and affect people’s quality of life, and these issues have been adopted as priorities for the team and our partners to work together to solve.”

Key times and locations for offences were analysed and proactive patrols have taken to the streets in these areas, to reassure local people as well as dealing firmly with anyone found to be breaking the law. SNT members have also been working with off-licences and pubs to give advice and ensure alcohol is not sold to under 18s, as well as identifying areas to the local council where lighting could be improved.

Since the operation began seven people have been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, with two charged. Sgt Garrard explains that the community itself has been key to addressing the problems. “Whilst extra officers are patrolling hotspot areas at key times, we need the public to also act as our eyes and ears, to tell us if they see anything suspicious or have any information regarding a crime. The amount of information coming into us about criminal or anti-social behaviour has risen and we welcome more. Officers can be contacted on 01284 774100 or people can call the Community Information Hotline on 01284 774029. If anyone sees a crime in progress they should call 999 immediately.”

Young people in the town have also reacted positively to the concerns. Sgt Garrard is very pleased with the input they’ve had so far. “Members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team met a group of young people last Friday to find out how the criminal damage and anti-social behaviour is affecting them. This was a very fruitful meeting, the youngsters showed they are willing to work with the partners to tackle these issues. We want to know what facilities and resources would improve their quality of life too, and we will listen to their ideas and help them develop them. By giving them activities to take part in and a place to meet their friends, it should reduce the time spent hanging around the streets and in turn the temptation to commit crime and disorder.”

Tracey Robertson from Forest Heath District Council adds, “The work the young people of Brandon put into the play area at Warren Close with the Community Crew recently is proof that they do care about where they live and want it to be a pleasant environment for all. They have shown a commitment by meeting with ourselves and our partners, and we are working towards making some of their ideas a reality.”