Arrests made in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich part of probe

Suffolk police carried out an estimated 300 visits to shops and businesses between March 18 and March 24 as part of Safer Business Week.

Among the people arrested was one individual who was found to be working illegally at a Bury St Edmunds barber shop.

A second individual at the barber shop, who was found to be working illegally, was handed to immigration.

The visits formed part of safer business week (Image: Suffolk police)

In Ipswich, two arrests were made for theft from a clothes store, while a vehicle stopped in London Road was found to contain counterfeit perfume. 

Six separate premises were visited by police and HMRC in east Suffolk after information suggested illegal tobacco was being sold.

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As well as the visits to businesses, five stop and searches were carried out, six vehicles were seized and 45 pieces of intelligence was gathered.

Inspector Dan Fiske, of Suffolk police, said the week of action was a success for the force.

He said: “The week of activity was very well received and appreciated by shop staff who we engaged with.

"While this was a week of dedicated activity, it’s important to make clear we continue to work to tackle shoplifting and pursue and prosecute offenders where possible, including using preventative powers such the anti-social behaviour act to tackle persistent offenders, use of community protection notices and criminal behaviour orders. 

"We would always urge victims of retail or business crime to report it.

"For example, shoplifting is a crime whatever the value of the item stolen and can result in a criminal conviction, which can have a serious impact on someone’s life.

"We understand this behaviour is simply unacceptable as it ultimately can threaten the future of the business affected."