Ipswich – Police urge vigilance after vehicle crime

Police investigating recent thefts from vehicles in Ipswich are advising motorists to take crime prevention steps to deter thieves. Several incidents have been reported to police in the town over the past week:

1.Sometime between 10:30pm on Saturday 17 August and 7:00am on Sunday 18 August. Ashcroft Road - Vehicle entered and sunglasses stolen –37/47059/24

2. Sometime between 8pm on Saturday 17 August and 11:15am on Sunday 18 August. Burns Road - Vehicle entered and purse stolen 37/47257/24.

3. Sometime between 00:05am and 00:10am in the very early hours of Sunday 18 August. Elmcroft Road -  Vehicle interference -  37/47764/24

4. Around  00:15am in the early hours of Sunday 18 August. Willowcroft Road - Vehicle interference 37/47499/24

5. Sometime between 10pm on Sunday 18 August and 01:00am on Monday 19 August. Dales Road - Vehicle entered and wallet stolen 37/47114/24

6. Sometime between 10pm on Monday 19 August and 02:15am on Tuesday 20 August. Everton Crescent - Vehicle entered and searched 37/47688/24

7. Sometime around 03:00am in early hours of Tuesday 20 August. Dales Road - Vehicle entered and cash stolen 37/47247/24

8. Sometime around 02:10 am in early hours of Tuesday 20 August. Waterford Road - Vehicle entered and cash stolen 37/47322/24

9. Sometime around 02:25am on Tuesday 20 August. Whitehouse Road - Vehicle entered and searched - 37/47815/24

10. Sometime between 01:00am and 01:30am in early hours of Tuesday 20 August. Shakespeare Road - Vehicle entered and searched  37/47248/24

11.Sometime between 01:00am and 04:00am in early hours of Thursday 22 August. Whitehouse Road - Vehicle entered and searched  37/47745/24

12. Sometime between 01:00am and 04:00am in early hours of Thursday 22 August. Three incidents on Cromer Road - Vehicle interference 37/47741/24

Today, Thursday 22 August, police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of theft from motor vehicles. He has been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre where he will be interviewed by officers.

T/Inspector Naomi Lofthouse said: “Having your car 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

You can also find advice on preventing car and vehicle theft, including advice on securing keyless entry vehicles, by visiting: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

Anyone with information, images or footage relating to incidents above which could assist is asked to contact Suffolk Police via:

Website – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

Email – [email protected]

Phone – Call 101

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

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999