Statement on Recent Unauthorised Encampments in Lowestoft

I completely understand the frustration and concern many people in Lowestoft are feeling about the issues surrounding recent unauthorised encampments.

Residents and businesses have raised concerns with me about theft, threatening or intimidating behaviour, anti-social behaviour, damage, fly-tipping and other disruption. I am conscious that not every incident may yet have been formally reported, which makes it even more important that people feel confident coming forward and that the authorities have a clear picture of what has happened.

I want to see a much stronger and more coordinated response where unauthorised encampments are associated with concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour or environmental damage. I am pressing Suffolk Police and East Suffolk Council for answers about what action has been taken, what more can be done now, and what their strategy is for dealing with similar situations in future.

If you have information about an incident relating to the recent encampments which you have not yet reported, please do so.

Non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour can be reported to Suffolk Police online here: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/.../af/how-to-report-a-crime or by calling 101. If a crime is happening now or somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

Anti-social behaviour and related concerns can also be reported to East Suffolk Council here: https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/comm.../anti-social-behaviour

Lowestoft's residents and businesses deserve to feel safe, listened to and supported. I share the frustration people are feeling, and I will keep pushing for a stronger response and much more visible action.