soham north Crime Intelligence

You said We did: We continue to use intelligence to develop opportunities for stop searches and search warrants. Since September 2024 we’ve made over 50 arrests for drug supply in Forest Heath as part of an initiative called Clear, Hold, Build. 23 of these individuals have been imprisoned and sentenced to a total of 59.5 years. A further 7 offenders were given suspended prison sentences. In Newmarket, Lakenheath and Brandon we have visited and supported those at risk of being ‘cuckooed’ and exploited by drug dealers and we have worked with partners to arrange training care staff of supported accommodation in the signs of exploitation. Officers also regularly conduct schools’ inputs to educate students on the risk of drugs and associated exploitation, and we sit on a Multi-Agency Exploitation Monthly every month where individual cases of exploitation are discussed.

You said We did: Officers regularly undertake ‘Pulse’ patrols during their late and night shifts in areas effected by recent crime. A targeted operation now in place to proactively respond to rural business crime. As part of this Officers have undertaken extra house to house around locations affected giving crime prevention advice and issuing Smartwater packs for their property to be marked.

Recent results include 2 juvenile males arrested for a series of motorcycle thefts in Mildenhall, 3 adult males arrested at a chop shop containing stolen vehicles in Lakenheath – this resulted in all of them receiving prison sentences. 4 males were arrested for a series of overnight commercial burglaries and these males remain on bail. An adult male was also recently arrested for a series of dwelling burglaries in Mildenhall, Beck Row, Newmarket and surrounding villages.

You said We did: Newmarket has a Safer Town Hotspot – we have given this area additional focus which has resulted in an increased number arrests for retail crime. Response Officers adhere to a patrol plan to police nighttime economy on Friday and Saturday nights in order to reduce violent crime, disorder and ASB.
Beat Officers regularly conduct ‘pop-up’ engagements in different locations affected by ASB and our design out crime officers supports vulnerable premises or locations.
Our response officers are also tasked with patrolling areas which have recently been affected by ASB. In recent months this has included Red Lodge Sports Pavilion and Brandon.
Through a monthly multi-agency ASB meeting those at the highest risk from ASB are identified and protected using a range of tools and powers available. Officers regularly liaise with and deliver inputs with local schools to help prevent students from becoming involved with ASB. In partnership with West Suffolk Council and Trading Standards, three closure orders were also obtained on Vape Shops under Anti-Social Behaviour legislation due to them selling illegal tobacco and vapes.