Following a murder, police efforts have significantly disrupted Ipswich gangs, making them less organized and recognizable.
Nacton and J Block gangs were involved in the feud that led to the murder. These gangs operated in Ipswich, and the attack happened two years ago. Superintendent Martin said things have changed since then, although the murder was terrible for the Ipswich community.
He thinks Ipswich will probably never be gang-free, explaining it is a cultural problem affecting many big towns. However, police actions have significantly broken up groups.
Superintendent Martin said gangs are disrupted and harder to recognize. They are not as organized as they were before, and the gang structure is not as robust; it is not like it was two or three years prior.
Unfortunately, breaking up gangs causes problems too. Individuals fight for power, wanting to take charge, and smaller groups can splinter off. The overall gang threat is less organized and reduced compared to the past.
Alfie Hammett and Joshua Howell murdered Mr. Quigley. Hammett was a Third Side gang member, and Howell belonged to the Nacton gang. The murder occurred in broad daylight within the town center.
Both Hammett and Howell were found guilty of murdering Mr. Quigley and possessing an offensive weapon. The motive was likely tensions between gangs that were rivals from Norwich.
Hammett received a minimum of 24 years, and Howell received a 20-year minimum sentence. Superintendent Martin stressed the importance of disrupting gangs to prevent more violence.
He said dismantling gangs is key, and the police are stopping them to prevent another incident like the murder. The police target all gang members, including suppliers of drugs and weapons, and lookouts.