THOUSANDS of pounds worth of property has been stolen from vehicles in just two months because motorists in a Suffolk town ignored simple safety advice, police said last night.

Dave Gooderham

THOUSANDS of pounds worth of property has been stolen from vehicles in just two months because motorists in a Suffolk town ignored simple safety advice, police said last night.

An operation to crackdown on vehicle crime saw officers target known hot spots in Haverhill with about 150 individuals issued with crime reduction advice.

Inspector Andy Smith said he was “disappointed” with the response - after revealing the total cost of items stolen from vehicles and subsequent damage totalled £12,000 in just eight weeks.

He said: “I am very disappointed at the high number of vehicles seen by officers with items on display and equally disappointed that 45 vehicles have been targeted for their contents over the past two months.

“Simply removing items of value from your vehicle and locking it makes it less attractive for a thief, yet hundreds of drivers in the town are continuing to put their property at risk.”

Officers in Haverhill carried out patrols in the area where the number of thefts have been particular high and issued letters and crime reduction guidance to anyone seen flouting the safety advice.

Insp Smith continued: “Criminals will break into your vehicle if they see something worth taking - or even a hint that something worth taking may be hidden.

“£6,000 worth of property has been stolen from vehicles in the past two months and the same value in damage has been caused. But the impact on the victims will have been much greater.

“The inconvenience you could face, just because you didn't lock your car door or left your stereo fascia or some loose change in the vehicle could be worth more than the damage or items taken.”

Insp Smith said community information was vital for police fighting vehicle crime and reminded residents to remain vigilante and report any suspicious activity.

He urged motorists to ensure everything of value was out of sight and also remove any hints as to what else might be in the vehicle - including mobile phone chargers and even coats.