An unnamed business in Felixstowe was closed down after being caught selling alcohol despite not being licensed.

The shop in the town was also caught selling out-of-date products, and with a lack of staff training, leading to the licensing authority to close it down.

The action came as East Suffolk Council's Licensing and Environmental Protection teams took part in a multi-agency day of action to detect and deter crime and anti-social behaviour in Felixstowe.

Officers were joined by council members as well as counterparts from Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk County Council's Trading Standards team and Felixstowe Town Council for the operation on Tuesday 17 October.

Organised by the East Suffolk Community Safety Partnership (ESCSP) and funded through the Enabling Communities Budget, the impact event saw partner agencies conduct a series of checks and inspections aimed at strengthening community safety through collective activity.

Trading Standards and Licensing officers carried out licence compliance checks and tax compliance checks on a number of premises, while police provided a visible presence on foot patrol and carried out traffic speed and vehicle checks.

Environment Protection officers looked out for abandoned vehicles and fly-tipping, as well as conducting health spot-checks on food venues, while the fire service provided support with residential safety checks, and youth workers engaged with local residents on the dangers of child criminal exploitation.

The impact event saw:

• Three fly-tipping sites cleared, with evidence found at two of the sites

• 38 wheelie bins tagged with guidance about proper usage

• One abandoned vehicle located

• Two venues inspected and subject to fire safety enforcement

• Two licensed premises found to have out-of-date licences

• One unlicensed premises (found selling alcohol, out-of-date products, and with a lack of staff training) closed down

• Speed checks conducted at five sites

• Five paving or road surface issues reported

• One unroadworthy vehicle reported

• Two taxi firms checked and found to be compliant with Equality Act 2010 by way of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022

Cllr Jan Candy, ward member for Eastern Felixstowe and Community Safety Partnership chair, said: "This day of targeted activity allowed partners to build closer working relationships and bolster our efforts to safeguard communities.

"We know that the overwhelming majority of businesses trade in full compliance with the law, but we are also prepared to take proportionate action where breaches are identified.

"This type of joint operation can act as a visible deterrent and help achieve immediate results. Often, it's about providing advice and guidance to make a positive change."

To report anti-social behaviour, call 101, use the police online reporting form or visit the anti-social behaviour section of the East Suffolk Council website.

To report a crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Dial 999 in an emergency or to report a crime in progress, or call 101 if the matter is not an emergency or visit the Suffolk police website.