Dame Diana Johnson’s visit to Ipswich sparked important discussions on local crime and safety.
Ipswich: The council leader recently met with Dame Diana Johnson, the Minister of State for Policing, to chat about local issues. They discussed how important it is to work with various partners, like Ipswich Central and Suffolk police, to tackle challenges in the community.
It was a productive meeting, and the council leader praised Jack Abbott MP for bringing Dame Diana to Ipswich. With so many constituencies out there, it’s great that she chose to visit and hear the concerns of local residents.
Dame Diana took a tour of the town center and met with police officers and community members at the Princes Street police station. They shared their experiences and concerns, especially about crime rates and public safety.
Interestingly, the police mentioned that crime stats are down, but there’s a worry that people might not believe it due to the town’s reputation. It’s a shame because the police are really putting in the effort to keep things safe.
One hot topic was the issue of shoplifting, especially for items under £200. There’s a feeling that this needs to change to help deter theft and improve perceptions of safety in the area.
Lee Walker from Ipswich Central talked about their collaboration with My Local Bobby, who are doing a fantastic job providing security and helping recover stolen goods. Their visible presence is making a difference.
The council is also using part of a grant to fund three Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in the town center. These officers are praised for their role in reducing crime and making people feel safer.
To further enhance safety, Suffolk County Council and the Ipswich Borough Council are working on better lighting for the Waterfront, with new lights expected to be operational soon.
After the discussions, Dame Diana visited local shops like Primark and TK Maxx. They talked about the different types of shoplifters and how the legal process can sometimes allow repeat offenders to continue their actions.
Labour’s plan to add 13,000 more police officers and community support roles aims to improve local safety and provide support when needed.
It was encouraging to see the Policing Minister take a genuine interest in Ipswich’s challenges. However, it’s clear that local partnerships and hard work are key to making a real difference.
