Police investigating a series of thefts of power tools from vans and properties across Suffolk have successfully recovered  more than 120 items, which are believed to have been stolen and are worth many thousands of pounds.

Officers executed a warrant at an address in Colchester on Wednesday 18 April and arrested a 42-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Both have now been released under investigation whilst police enquires continue.

Detectives are actively working to identify the owners of the recovered property. Members of the public who have had tools stolen and recognise any of the items individually pictured as belonging to them are asked to contact police by sending an email to OperationWinston@suffolk.pnn.police.uk.  Before property can be returned corroborative evidence such as crime reports, photographs, or other documentation etc would be required.

For crime prevention advice do visit: http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/roads-and-vehicles/tool-smart and http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z

Please see link to pictures of the recovered items are which are available on Suffolk Police website

http://www.suffolk.police.uk/news/latest-news/20-04-2018/significant-number-stolen-tools-recovered

20 Apr 18

Police have located wanted man Marc Nicholls and missing person Anna Sesto.

Marc Nicholls, aged 36, was wanted in connection with a number of burglaries across East Suffolk and believed to be with missing person, 20-year-old Anna Sesto.

He was detained by police in Cumbria yesterday, Tuesday 10th April, and brought into police custody.

Anna has been located safe and well.

Police would like to thank the public for their help in this matter.

Help us keep our communities safe.

Police are warning farmers or smallholdings with livestock to be vigilant to suspicious activity as officers believe offenders, who slaughtered sheep on two previous occasions, may still be operating in Suffolk.

The first discovery was made on Saturday 23 December about 5pm in Sproughton by the owner who found the remains of one of the sheep by a stream. The carcass had been taken, leaving the remainder of the animal behind.

The second incident happened at some point between Wednesday 21 February and Thursday 22 February, when an unknown offender had cut the throats of three sheep that were grazing in a field situated off Berners Lane, near Chelmondiston, before removing the carcasses and leaving them in a small wooded area next to the field where two of three sheep were also left partially skinned.

Yesterday, Monday 9 April, officers recovered a bag close to a flock of sheep and believe the contents within may be linked to this type of illegal activity.

Anyone living in areas where sheep graze should report any out of the ordinary activity such as individuals handling livestock. Members of the public should also be mindful of being offered meat for sale in suspicious circumstances.

To report anything suspicious contact Suffolk police on 101.

Help us keep our communities safe.

Police are urging caravan owners to take simple steps to secure their caravans, after one was stolen at the end of March at Sternfield.

The incident took place at some point between Tuesday 27 March at 7pm and Wednesday 28 March at 10am at a site on Sandy Lane. Despite the caravan having a lock attached to it, this was broken and the caravan was removed by being dragged across fields. It was located and recovered a few days later in Bedfordshire.

Sgt Brian Calver from the Rural Crime Team police said: "As we enter spring time it’s the time of year when  more caravans are going to be used so I would urge users/owners to be vigilant.

"My advice for owners would be to ensure the caravan is kept locked and secured by a decent lock which is ‘Secure by Design’ rated.   People should also ensure security markings are recorded and photos of the caravan taken. If possible, they should park them under lit areas and consider CCTV.

"I would strongly urge all owners to have tracking devices fitted, as these can result in prompt recovery, which was the case for the one stolen last week. The cost of a tracking device can easily be balanced against the cost of a replacement caravan.”

Other useful tips to consider include: 

-Use locking wheel nuts and a good quality clamp on the wheels

-Not to leave expensive personal belongings inside and ensure they lock them on site when out for the day also. If out for the evening, consider leaving a light and or radio on, to make the place look occupied.

-Consider the use of shed alarms which are relatively inexpensive easily available at hard ware stores yet provide a good deterrent.

Site owners, are urged to review their site security and consider such things as CCTV, barriers, lighting, ditches around the perimeter to prevent access via fields, regular patrols around the site, particularly after dark to ensure security is maintained. If anybody wants any advice on security for their site, they can contact me or any caravan dealership where they will be able to advise accordingly.

If anyone sees any suspicious activity on a caravan site they should try and obtain descriptions and vehicle registrations.

For further useful tips please visit Suffolk Constabulary website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/sites/suffolk/files/caravan_security.pdf

Police are reminding residents to be alert for telephone scams following reports that a number of residents have been contacted recently by a caller claiming to be a Metropolitan Police officer.

Fraudsters are typically stating that they have a suspect in custody that has a number of credits cards with their details on. The caller then asks the person on the telephone to confirm their credit card details over the phone.

Your bank or the police will never ask you to withdraw money or purchase items.

Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details out.
 
If you receive such a call leave the landline for at least five minutes to make an outside call. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number.
 
Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.
 
Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do.
 
For advice on keeping yourself safe against scams, please visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z
Alternatively, report incidents of fraud to Action Fraud using their online reporting tool http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 1232040.
 
You can also sign up to the Trading Standards weekly email alert on rogues and scams targeting Suffolk at www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight

Help us keep our communities safe.

The following message is broadcast on behalf of Hertfordshire Police -

Officers investigating the whereabouts of missing Philip Cave from Watford can now share his car’s full registration plate, which is FM06 HSV.

Philip, aged 53, went missing from his home address in the north of the town on Friday, March 23.

His car, a silver BMW Z4 convertible, has since been picked up on ANPR cameras in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, at 6pm that day.

He does have connections to Yorkshire and has also talked about going to East Anglia, but could be anywhere in the country. He could possibly be in the Birmingham area although it could be that he is now driving in the countryside, or has stopped his car in a remote location.

He is described as a white man, with grey balding hair and a goatee beard.  He is 6ft 2in tall, of stocky build and he is likely to be wearing a gilet, like the one in the photo.

Anyone who sees Philip is asked to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary straight away via the non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 582 of March 23.

Alternatively, if you have any information you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Help us keep our communities safe.

Police are appealing for help to trace a Hollesley Bay prisoner who has failed to return following a period of home leave.

Simon Knights, aged 42-years-old, was released on temporary licence to go to an address in Newhaven, East Sussex, on Thursday 22 March and was due to return by 4pm on Monday 26 March. However, he failed to return and so has been reported missing to police.

Knights is serving a five and a half year sentence for burglary.

He is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, with brown hair, and a tattoo of a British Bulldog on his right arm.

Anyone who may have seen Knights, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts, is asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101.

Help us keep our communities safe.

Help us keep our communities safe.

15 Mar 18

Following a series of thefts of tools from vans and outbuildings such as sheds and garages recently, Suffolk Constabulary are launching a countywide crime prevention campaign to raise awareness and reduce incidents.

The ‘Get Tool Smart’ campaign highlights measures that can be taken by the public to protect themselves from this type of theft. It includes advice to van drivers to, including where any how to park vehicles, installing additional security devices inside vans and tips on marking tools with a unique, traceable paint.

Posters are being circulated to businesses and building trade suppliers across Suffolk advising people of the scheme. Once done, a sticker, ‘I’m Tool Smart’, has been produced which can be displayed on the vehicle/outbuilding, deterring offenders from stealing the marked tools.

In a bid to raise awareness of this type of theft, Safer Neighbourhood policing teams are holding a number of crime prevention ‘drop-in’ sessions this week in the east of the county:

Wednesday 14th March

9am-12am Jewson Building Merchant, 8-10 Abbey Road,  Leiston IP16 4RD

9am-12am Co-op Supermarket, Sizewell Road,  Leiston IP16 4AE

Thursday 15th March

9am-12am Jewson Building Merchant, Bedfield Road, Monk Soham IP13 7EJ

1pm-3pm Co-op Supermarket, Market Hill, Framlingham IP13 9AL

Friday 16th March

9am-12am Workwear (East Anglia) Ltd, Airfield Industrial Park, Eye IP23 7HS

1pm-3pm Stradbroke Community Centre, Wilby Road,  Stradbroke IP21 5JN

Saturday 17th March

9am-12am Waitrose Supermarket, Church Street,  Saxmundham IP17 1EP

Officers will be available to demonstrate marking tools with a unique, traceable paint available from Smart Water and DNA Selecta as well as giving crime prevention advice on other new security products such as CCTV cubes which can be fitted inside vehicles to deter offences taking place.

Van owners/drivers can register their tools for free at www.immobilise.com by 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 in the event of being lost or stolen.

Police are urging motorists to lock their car and remove all valuables, no matter whether you park on, or off road. Thieves will enter private properties, public carparks and garages to look for insecure vehicles.

Van drivers should also consider the following measures to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime:

• Always lock all doors & 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 www.securedbydesign.com

If you are offered tools in suspicious circumstances, please do not buy them and let police know immediately via 101.  You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For further crime prevention advice visit: http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/roads-and-vehicles/tool-smart and http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z