Suffolk Police are urging members of the public to be vigilant following a spate of thefts of batteries across the county.

In the first two weeks of May, almost �3,000 worth of vehicle batteries have been stolen in Suffolk.

Most of the stolen batteries have been taken while left insecure, out in the open, and have been easy targets for thieves.

Batteries from vehicles and plant, batteries from fencing or bird scarers, and scrap batteries have all been targeted.

Police are advising people to store useful batteries in a locked building, position batteries running livestock or equestrian fencing away from the roadside, consider using a lockable metal box to store stand-alone batteries running agricultural equipment, mark the batteries in some way so they are identifiable and if the batteries are scrap, take them to a reputable scrap dealer yourself.

Lead and copper are also expensive commodities and their value has risen considerably in recent years. Stealing these, and other metals, has therefore become attractive and profitable to thieves, so members of the public are reminded to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, including those who are cold calling for scrap metal, then please contact Suffolk Police on 01473 613500. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information can also be submitted online at www.suffolk.police.uk.