Babergh's Safer Neighbourhood teams and Babergh Community Safety Partnership carried out a series of car park checks across the district where vehicles had recently been damaged or broken into and letters were sent to drivers who had left items on view.

Crime reduction officer Les King said: "Simply by removing items of value from your vehicle and locking it makes it less attractive for a thief, yet hundreds of drivers in the town continue to put their property at risk.

"Criminals will break into your vehicle if they see something worth taking – or even a hint that something worth taking may be hidden. If there's nothing on display and the car is secure, a thief is less likely to target your vehicle."

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is advised to report the matter to police or, if a crime is in progress, call 999. Officers, including the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, can be contacted on 01284 774100 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.