A recent targeted initiative which delivered thousands of hours of visible patrols, hundreds of arrests and a marked reduction in tackling anti-social behaviour across Suffolk has now ended after funding was withdrawn.
Operation Spotlight, which ran from June 2025 to March 2026, focused police resources on 26 identified crime hotspots across the county. Over the course of the operation, officers completed more than 10,200 patrol hours, exceeding the planned minimum by over 700 hours.
The operation led to 262 arrests, 27 seized weapons and 304 stop and searches, with more than one‑third of these resulting in positive outcomes. Across the period, anti‑social behaviour fell by 172 incidents compared to the previous year, and overall crime across the targeted hotspots fell year-on-year, despite seasonal peaks during the summer months.
Suffolk Police also worked closely with partner agencies throughout the operation, ensuring enforcement activity was supported by prevention, safeguarding and community engagement.
However, the scheme has now closed after just 10 months.
Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore (left), said: “The Hotspot policing initiative was started under the previous government and for the past two years the force has been given a £1m grant to pay for additional police work, which was most welcome.
“These impressive results speak for themselves, and the funding has made a very positive and visible contribution to reducing crime and bringing offenders to justice.
“It’s very frustrating that the Home Office has chosen not to continue to fund Hotspot policing, but I can assure everyone that this work will continue.”
Analysis from Suffolk Constabulary shows the sustained patrol activity has had a tangible impact on crime, particularly in communities most affected by anti‑social behaviour and related criminality.
Western area commander, Superintendent Pete Partridge, said the results demonstrate the value of targeted, data‑driven policing. He said: “Operation Spotlight shows what can be achieved when police resources are focused at the right places, at the right times, based on clear evidence.
“Residents told us they wanted to see officers in their neighbourhoods, tackling anti‑social behaviour and criminality. This operation delivered exactly that and has helped make our communities safer.
“I’d also like to think this focussed activity has also, in some small part, contributed to the fact Suffolk is now has the second lowest recorded crime rate in the country. The learning from this year’s campaign will continue to inform how we deploy resources, target demand and protect our communities in future.”
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