Vehicle crime in Halesworth, Eye, Framlingham and Leiston prompts police appeal

Police are encouraging drivers to be vigilant after thefts from parked vehicles across East Suffolk.

It follows reports of ‘vehicle based crime’ in Saxmundham, Eye and Hoxne last week.

On January 5, items were stolen from a vehicle parked in Church Street, Saxmundham.

The next day, January 6, there was a report of vehicle trim being removed on Castleton Way in Eye.

In Hoxne there was an incident where a person entered a vehicle and searched a glove box – without taking anything.

This took place in Cross Street overnight on January 3.

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.”

Incidents can be reported to Suffolk Police on their website or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org