Two laptops have been stolen from a car in Ipswich after a large number of thefts from vehicles across the town over the past week.
The incident happened in Valley Road between 2am and 6.30am on Wednesday, January 18.
According to Suffolk police, bags inside were searched and the laptops were stolen along with two portable computer drives and a laser printer lower tray unit.
Following the incident, police reminded residents to ensure that belongings are removed from vehicles and that the vehicles are locked.
Anyone who has information about this theft has been asked to contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference 37/3532/23.
Earlier this week, the police also said they received 12 reports relating to thefts from vehicles in the town in a four-day span.
At least four of the offenses involved a window being smashed and some victims also reported their bank cards had been used before they could cancel them.
The 12 reports are as follows:
The Avenue – Entry was gained to a vehicle by an unknown male at about 1.15am on Saturday, January 14 and a set of binoculars were stolen. Reference: 2604/23.
Thompson Road – Entry gained to a vehicle on Saturday, January 14 between 3.59am and 4.03am. A search was made but nothing was stolen. Reference: 2615/23.
Dale Hall Lane – A vehicle was entered between 9.30pm on Friday, January 13 and 1.10pm on Saturday, January 14, with a rucksack containing a laptop and an Apple watch being taken. Reference: 2622/23.
Whitton Church Lane – On Saturday, January 14 four wheel trims were removed from a Mercedes vehicle parked on the road at about 7.30pm. Reference: 2729/23.
Fircroft Road – Entry was gained to a vehicle left insecure on Sunday, January 15 between midnight and 6am. A search was made and a gym bag containing clothing was stolen. Reference: 2731/23.
Dales View Road – Security systems captured an unknown person trying vehicle door handles at about 3.30am in the morning of Sunday, January 15, although nothing was stolen. Reference: 2744/23.
Thornhayes Close – At about 11.40pm on Monday, January 16, an unknown person gained entry to a vehicle by smashing the nearby window and removing coins from the central console. Reference: 3013/23.
Heather Hayes – Between 9pm on Monday, January 16 and 10am on Tuesday, January 17, the driver side window was smashed on a vehicle and loose change and a wallet containing bank cards were stolen. Reference: 3126/23.
Woodpecker Road – An unknown person gained entry to a vehicle by smashing the passenger side window just before 2am on Tuesday, January 17. A purse was stolen from a handbag left inside the vehicle. Reference: 3069/23.
Woodpecker Road – Between 2am and 2.30am on the same night as the previous incident, a vehicle was entered and a wallet containing bank cards was removed. The cards were then used. Reference: 3082/23.
Kestral Road – The front driver side window was smashed by an unknown person between 1.30am and 2am on Tuesday, January 17. A business card wallet was stolen. Reference: 3126/23.
Boston Road – At about 1.30am on Wednesday, January 18, an unknown person smashed the driver side window of a vehicle, setting off the car alarm. A wallet containing cash was stolen. Reference: 3222/23.
Following these incidents, police are issuing guidance on how to reduce the risk of being a victim of this type of crime:
- Do not leave any item on view in your vehicle
- Check that the vehicle is secure every time you leave it
- If you hear the sound of smashing glass or a vehicle alarm being activated, investigate it without putting yourself at risk. Call the police immediately on 999 if you see a crime in progress.
- If you have a video doorbell or other CCTV – check it. Report any suspicious behavior to the police.
Anyone who has any information about any of these incidents should contact Suffolk police Crime Coordination Center quoting the relevant crime references via the website, through email or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form.