Since the end of summer last year, the Safer Neighbourhood Team has been investigation the
ongoing criminal damages to vehicles in south Lowestoft. Covert Authorities working in
partnership with the SNT and 2 covert cameras were installed in a property that overlooked
where the incidents were happening. Officers regularly collected and reviewed the footage each
time a crime occurred to make attempts to identify a suspect but to avail.
Not long after cameras were installed, identical damages started occurring on seafront buildings
and signage. The operation resources were then increased and officers were regularly deployed,
day and night to perform both high visibility patrols and plain clothed patrols.
Reassurance was given to the residents of those affected and members of the public were
extremely helpful by giving us vital information about when the criminal damages were being
done.
After extensive police patrols, the suspect was caught in the act and will be dealt with
accordingly. This investigation was a good example of how the SNT works with other agencies
and departments to offer the best possible support for those affected and to identify those
responsible.
North Lowestoft saw similar tactics deployed to intervene in the ongoing anti-social behaviour of
youths in a residential area. Vulnerable victims were persistently targeted where eggs were
being thrown at a number of properties.
Again, the Covert Authorities team were contacted and covert cameras were installed to gain as
much intelligence of when incidents were happening and who was responsible. Suffolk
Highways were also contacted so street lights could remain on during this time.
The night before the cameras were installed, a plain clothed officer was patrolling the area in a
plain vehicle and caught 2 suspects in the act. The officer gave chase and caught up with the
suspects and they were both dealt with for what they had been seen doing.
Incidents like this have now decreased in these areas and after successfully dealing with the two
suspects, it puts a stern message out to those that we will catch you and deal with you if you are
harassing and targeting residents in this area.
Wards of Kessingland, Pakefield, Carlton Colville, Carlton, Whitton, Kirkley, Harbour, Oulton,
Oulton Broad, Oulton, St Margarets, Normanston, Gunton, Corton, Lothingland, Barnby,
Blundeston, Pakefield, Lound, North Cove.
