Suffolk van owner’s jaw broken by balaclava wearing thief amid spree of attempted thefts from vehicles
The attack happened in Brooklands, Brantham. Picture: GOOGLE MAPS - Credit: Archant
A van owner suffered a broken jaw while attempting to stop masked thieves stealing from his vehicle near to a Suffolk primary school - in one of several crimes being linked by police.
The victim saw a man taking tools from his van and putting them into another vehicle, while another offender was also inside his van,
When attempting to stop the theft, the victim was punched “several times”, and received a blow to his head which knocked him to the ground.
He suffered a broken jaw in the attack, which happened some time between 6.30-7pm on Monday outside a property in Brooklands Road, Brantham, near to a primary school.
The offenders fled in another vehicle with the stolen power tools.
The attacker was dressed in all black, including a balaclava and gloves.
Further thefts from vehicles happened later that day and are being linked by police.
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At 9.05pm offenders attempted to break into a van in Debenham Road, Mickfield. It is not known what, if anything was stolen.
The at around 9.45pm two offenders wearing balaclavas attempted to break into a van in Dales Road, Ipswich. No entry was gained and nothing was stolen.
If you have any information regarding any of the incidents or saw any suspicious activity during the times stated you should contact Suffolk Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.
Van owners are also advised to register their tools for free at Immobilise taking note of the serial numbers and models, and to use ultraviolet pen to (invisibly) mark their property, which increases the chances of having them returned to you in the event of being lost or stolen.
Van drivers should also consider the following measures to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime:
• Always lock all doors and shut windows, physically checking van doors are locked.
• Park in a garage or secure area where possible.
• Park with the doors against a wall.
• If you park on your driveway consider installing motion activated CCTV.
• Be particularly aware when unloading.
• Remove tools from the van if possible.
• To increase the security of tools, you can bolt either a cage or box to the base of the van which should be secured with a sturdy close shackle padlock to reduce and deter further incidents.
• Setting an alarm or immobiliser will make it more difficult for the offender.
• Consider upgrading locks/fitting additional protection.
• Information on Police approved products can be found at Secured by Design
