Stay vigilant in east Suffolk - burglaries & vehicle breaks

Police in the east of Suffolk are urging homeowners and vehicle owners to ensure they keep property and vehicles secure after a recent spate of burglaries and thefts in the area.

Since the start of November, police have had reports of five residential burglaries, seven thefts of motor vehicles, five thefts from motor vehicles and one theft from a shed or garage and one theft from a business that took place at Beccles. All of the other incidents took place in the Lowestoft and Beccles area over a period of time from 2 to 8 November.

There were also two cases of burglaries from a business in Worlingworth and Heveningham and two thefts from motor vehicles in Horham and Knodishall. These took place from 2 to 7 November.

In one burglary in Lowestoft £5,000 worth of jewellery was stolen, while a digger was stolen from  one incident in Heveningham and a digger stolen from Bungay as well. Some of the vehicles stolen include a Fiat 500 stolen from Beccles but later found damaged in the town, a BMW stolen from an address in Lowestoft and a Skoda Fabia stolen from Shipmeadow.

Inspector Ed Scott from Halesworth said: “It is a concern that a series of burglaries and thefts have happened within such a short amount of time. However, we’re following several lines of enquiry and our officers are working hard to identify any links.

"We would urge our communities to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, including vehicles or persons. Your little snippet of information may be the crucial link in completing the jigsaw and understanding who are or is responsible. You wouldn’t be wasting our time as this type of intelligence is the lifeblood for much of our operational activity.”

“Please take the necessary security measures such as ensuring doors and windows are locked. Residents can also help us by notifying police about any suspicious activity or behaviour they may witness.

“Equally, having your car stolen or broken into can be very distressing but there are a few steps you can take which will deter thieves and keep your valuables safe. Many of these crimes are opportunistic and we want to make it harder for criminals.”

• Always lock your vehicle, even if you are away from it for only a short time, and keep your windows fully closed
• Secure anything that is on the outside of your car or van
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Take mobile phones, wallets, purses or cash with you
• Ensure that any electronic items, and their mountings, are hidden from view
• Vans are often targeted for any tools left inside. If you have to leave them overnight, do ensure they are clearly marked or, better still, kept in a lockable box or cabinet
• Try to avoid dimly lit areas. Park in busier and brighter areas if possible
• Catalytic converters are also a target for thieves so do park carefully, register and mark the converter and ask your car dealer for advice on locks that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer

Inspector Scott added: "You know your communities better than anyone else so will be best placed to notice if something or someone is out of place. Always dial 999 if you believe a crime is in progress.”

Further home security advice includes:

• Remove window keys and keep them in a safe place. However, everyone should know where the keys are kept so they can escape in an emergency
• Fit multi-locking systems to patio doors or install mortise security bolts with removable keys at the top and bottom of both doors
• Consider fitting a letterbox cage or restrictor which prevents burglars from putting their hands or gadgets through the letter box and trying the latches from the inside.
• Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, burglars know all the usual hiding places.
• Never leave your house or car keys in or near a door or window.

Anyone who has knowledge of these incidents, knows who was responsible should contact Suffolk police.

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org