A seaside town is to become the centre of a new crime crackdown programme tackling serious and organised crime. 

Suffolk police announced Felixstowe would be the first in a three-phase initiative called Clear, Hold, Build. 

The Home Office scheme's aim is to target criminal activity, stop criminals from moving into areas and build community action.

Inspector Matt Breeze said the town had been chosen as officers has seen the effects of a small number of criminals on the community in relation to anti-social behaviour, violence and the supply of drugs.

He said one key element is protecting vulnerable young people from being exploited or drawn into crime. 

Inspector Breeze said: “The police have already started to address this by carrying out warrants and patrols in the local community where we have been successful in removing drugs and the proceeds of crime from the streets. Several people have been arrested and charged, awaiting court hearings."

“Felixstowe, like the rest of Suffolk is a safe place to live and bring up children but by working with the community and building on the work already undertaken by partners and community groups, we can enhance this safety and positivity.”

An event bringing together different partners was held at Felixstowe Town Hall in May.

The force said similar projects will be brought in across Suffolk in the future.

Superintendent Richard Burton, Commander of the South Suffolk County Policing Command, said: "Some great work is already happening, and it is about utilising this and ensuring new initiatives are considered to ensure we can all make the area a better place to live, work, visit, travel and invest."

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore called the project an "innovative partnership approach to community safety".

He added: “Felixstowe is one of our most popular seaside towns and welcomes visitors from all over the country, so I am very pleased to see this additional focus in the area. It is particularly pleasing that the business community is fully involved.

“I wholeheartedly support the use of this approach in Felixstowe and will watch with interest to see how this helps improve the town and make it an even safer place for residents and visitors alike.”