Ipswich - Appeal after reports of thefts from vehicles

Police are appealing for witnesses after numerous reports of a male attempting to enter parked vehicles in the Ipswich area.

20 reports were received from about 8pm on Friday 29 November to the early hours of Sunday 1 December.

The locations were Windsor Road, Pin Mill Close, Appleby Close, Cherry Blossom Close, Eccles Road, Cinnabar Close, Dashwood Close, Dove Street, Osborne Road, Brunswick Road, Ashmere Grove, Swinton Close, Quilter Drive, Hawthorn Drive, Radcliffe Drive and Ranelagh Road.

In 12 incidents items were stolen from the vehicles – amongst the items stolen these included a laptop and Samsung phone, cash, cards, Bluetooth earplugs and in one incident at some point between 3pm on 30 November and 1 December at 9.45am a grey Vauxhall Astra was stolen.

Enquiries are on-going to establish who was responsible and are appealing for anyone who has seen any suspicious activity, got dash cam footage or doorbell camera footage of suspicious activity to call police. 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

Phone – Call 101