Spring into action

With the clocks going forward next Sunday (28th March), Suffolk Police is urging residents to keep their property safe.

As the evenings get lighter and the weather improves (hopefully!), criminals can take advantage of people spending more time outdoors and of people leaving windows and doors open.

Between Monday 15th and Sunday 21st March, a series of events are taking place countywide to enable members of the public to gain more crime prevention advice. Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be offering advice and reassurance at the following locations:

Monday 15th
Lady Lane, Hadleigh 1200 - 1300

Tuesday 16th
The Hill, Wickham Market 1145 - 1315

Wednesday 17th
Co-op, Great Cornard

Thursday 18th
Stowmarket Hight Street 0900-1500

Friday 19th
Village Hall, Long Melford 1000 – 1100
Village Hall, Stonham Aspall 1000 - 1100
Community Centre, Earl Stonham 1200 - 1300
Community Centre, Mendlesham 1500 – 1600

Saturday 20th
Village Hall, Long Melford 0900-1200

Sunday 21st
Eyke
Rendlesham
Melton

Chris Gilmore the Inspector for Community Safety explains there are simple measures which can protect people’s property: “It may be tempting to leave windows and doors open as it gets lighter, but this is an invitation for a burglar to take advantage of easy access to your home. Whether you are inside or outside in the garden, keep doors and windows secure so only you can get in and out.

“The same applies to your garage or shed – once you’ve removed the lawnmower or tools you are using, lock it behind you. Never leave items of value unattended in your garden, and don’t leave them on display through a window either. Mesh or bars can be fixed on shed and garage windows to conceal your property and deter criminals from breaking in.

“Keep vehicles in secure garages where available, or parked in an open, well lit area. Keep hedges and shrubs cut back and fences, gates and walls in good repair. Make sure items such as bicycles, ladders and motorised vehicles that can be locked, are locked. Lock smaller items in cabinets and always keep keys safe and out of sight. Houses, sheds and garages can also be alarmed.

“I would also urge you to security mark items - Suffolk Police hold regular property marking events around the county, or equipment can be purchased to do this yourself. Take photos of any valuable items, these pictures could help trace them in the event that they are stolen.

Property can also be registered with a free database called Immobilise. This national system is used by most police forces, including Suffolk – all you need to do is enter the serial number of your phone, computer, MP3 player, bike or anything else with such a code, and update the system if it is lost or stolen. If the police seize stolen property, or an item is found, officers can search the database to find out who the item belongs to, and your property will be returned. You can also use the system to find out if a second-hand item you want to buy is stolen.”
To register go to the web site, www.immobilise.com and follow the instructions.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to police on 01473 613500 or 999 if a crime is in progress, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further information on home security can be found on our website www.suffolk.police.uk .

Some district and borough councils offer home security checks and upgrades, which are free or discounted to certain members of the community. Shed alarms are available from police stations, and free advice on home security is available from your local Crime Reduction Officer on 01473 613500.


If you have details about any crimes, then please contact your local Police Station, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.