Reminder to stay vigilant to vehicle based crime

Police in the east of Suffolk are urging residents to keep vigilant after recent reports of incidents relating to vehicle-based crime.

Recent examples, include one incident on 5 January on Church Street in Saxmundham an offender stole items from a parked vehicle. On 6 January in Castleton Way in Eye vehicle trim had been removed, while in Hoxne overnight on 3 Jan in Cross Street there was an incident where a person entered the vehicle and had a search of the glove box but left without taking anything.

Inspector Ed Scott from Halesworth said: “It is a concern we are seeing these incidents take place, however, we’re conducting reviews on a number of offences related to criminal damage, criminality relating to vehicles and burglary incidents to establish if there are any links to them and assessing any forensic evidence we have gathered.

“Our roving Kestrel team that can provide support to target crime in particular areas, along with our community officers will be conducting patrols and house to house enquiries in targeted areas with intelligence and incidents of interest recorded. While our design out crime officers will be paying visits to people who have been the victims of burglary to officer some guidance and advice on keeping their property or premises secure.

“It’s important to say if you are the victim of a crime please do tell us – your information can help us build the picture of criminal activity and enables us to respond appropriately to tackle it.

 "We would repeat previous calls for residents in the Halesworth and surrounding areas such as Eye, Framlingham and Leiston to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, including vehicles or persons. It may seem insignificant to you but your piece of intelligence or your report of some odd of suspicious activity could be crucial in helping us catch offenders responsible. Please don’t feel that you are wasting our time. You live in the community so you know and understand anything out of the ordinary.

Crime prevention advice:

• 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

 

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 via www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

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

Phone – Call 101