Police are appealing for information after a number of burglary incidents in the Woodbridge area between Sunday night, 3rd September, & Monday 4th September.
In Alderton, three garages, a shed & two cars were broken into all between 5pm Sunday 3rd & 4pm Sunday 4th September in Hollesley Road, The Street & Mill Hoo.
A hedge trimmer was stolen from one of the garages, a black racing bicycle with black & red triathlon bars, a white Planet X saddles & black & white Campagnolo wheels was stolen from another garage and a metal detector was stolen from the shed. A set of designer sunglasses was stolen from the car but later recovered nearby.
In Cumberland Street & Ipswich Road in Woodbridge, a further two garages were broken into between 5pm Sunday 3rd & 3.15pm Monday 4th September. A drill & driver set was stolen from one of them.
In Woodbridge Road, Sutton a shed & summerhouse were broken into between 8pm Sunday 3rd & 5.45pm Monday 4th September. Nothing was stolen.
Officers are asking residents to review the security of their garages, sheds, outbuildings and cars. Security improvements could include –
•Fit a pair of good quality bolts to either side of the bottom of garage door. We recommend that these are fixed using coach bolts that cannot be tampered with from outside, and that a good quality closed shackle padlock is used. Fitting locks too high up on a door will not adequately secure it, as the door can be bent upwards at the bolt point.
• If you are choosing a purpose designed garage door lock, pick one approved by Secured by Design or Sold Secure.
• Secure shed doors by fitting a strong hasp and staple (also called a ‘padbar’). Secure this with coach bolts and lock the hasp over the staple with a closed shackle padlock.
• Remember to lock your shed or garage after use.
•Replace broken glass panes or use perspex or polycarbonate as a more secure alternative for shed and garage windows. Use a window lock along with a strong grille or wire mesh. Use curtains or netting so people cannot see inside. Screw windows shut if you do not use them.
• Fit a good quality battery operated alarm to your outbuilding.
•Chain items such as bicycles, ladders and lawnmowers to a strong anchor point or to each other and use a closed shackle padlock.
•Do not leave anything on display in your car, thieves can sometimes mistake them for valuables and the damage they can do to the car to get in can be costly
•Fit security devices - electronic immobiliser, mechanical immobiliser, locking wheel nuts, vehicle alarm.
Further security advice can be found on the Suffolk Police webpage www.suffolk.police.uk - A-Z of crime prevention - or contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
If you have any information about the incidents above please contact Suffolk Police on 101 or use the ‘report something’ link on the Suffolk Police webpage www.suffolk.police.uk.