Added: 02/06/2008

Category: Suffolk Constabulary

Suffolk Police are urging motorists to ‘Get SMART’ this summer – by visiting one of the roadshow events being held around the north east of the county in the next few weeks.

While Suffolk has one of the lowest levels of vehicle crime in the country, police are working to try to reduce the number of incidents and to catch more offenders. The SMART (Stop Motorcrime And Ring Today) campaign plays an important role in this by encouraging motorists to take steps to make it harder for vehicle thieves.

The special roadshows, being held at supermarkets throughout the Beccles and Leiston neighbourhoods between now and August, give you the opportunity to get crime reduction tips and free advice on protecting your vehicles – cars, vans and motorbikes – from thieves.

The roadshows are being held as follows:

Wednesday 4 June - Somerfield supermarket, Saxmundham.

Tuesday 10 June - Solar supermarket, Leiston,

Wednesday 18 June – Rainbow store, Hillside Road East, Bungay.

Wednesday 25 June - Tesco supermarket, Beccles.

Tuesday 8 July - Rainbow supermarket, Halesworth.

Wednesday 16 July - Morrison's supermarket, Beccles.

Wednesday 6 August - Solar supermarket, Framlingham.

All events will be held from 9am to 1pm.

Experts, including Suffolk Constabulary crime reduction officers Steve Barrett and Bruce Granger and members of your local crime prevention panel, will be on hand to offer help and advice on securing your valuables, with particular reference to how you can prevent your vehicle being targeted. You will also be able to get windows etched, free of charge.

Simple and free measures you can take to prevent vehicle crime include –
· If your car is fitted with a removable radio or front plate, take it out.
· Security mark all your audio equipment with your postcode. Have index marks or vehicle identification numbers etched on all glass surfaces.
· Don’t leave documents that may aid the thief, such as your driving licence, MoT and insurance certificate in your vehicle.
· Don't leave valuables or other items on view in your car. A handbag ‘hidden’ under a seat or a phone left on a seat is an easy target. That coat or newspaper could be hiding a camera or bag – an opportunist thief will break in to take a look. Take valuables with you and lock anything else in the boot.
· Don’t forget to lock your car doors, close windows and secure your sunroof – and never leave your keys in the ignition. Activate your steering lock.

Anyone who would like further advice can attend any of the roadshows or can contact Waveney or Suffolk Coastal Crime Reduction Officers (CRO) Steve Barrett or Bruce Granger or their local CRO via the main switchboard – 01473 613500.