AN Ipswich crimefighter today called on motorists to be more vigilant in deterring thieves.Peter Lickert, senior crime reduction officer for Ipswich, is heading a new campaign aimed at reducing the number of car thefts in west Ipswich.

AN Ipswich crimefighter today called on motorists to be more vigilant in deterring thieves.

Peter Lickert, senior crime reduction officer for Ipswich, is heading a new campaign aimed at reducing the number of car thefts in west Ipswich.

The campaign, known as Operation Ringtail, will target car crime in areas of Ipswich branded as “hot spots”.

These areas, which have all had more than five car crimes within the last 12 months, include Hadleigh Road, Wherstead Road, Bramford Road and Bramford Lane, Burrell Road and Diamond Close, Old Norwich Road and Whitehouse Road.

Mr Lickert said: “We want people to be more aware of car crime particularly in places where we have the most problems, such as west Ipswich.

“It's something that people are getting a bit blasé about, they will leave things in the car that you wouldn't even think about, perhaps an old coat in the back seat, which may be enough to tempt the thieves to break in to the car.

“One of the messages we want to get across as part of Operation Ringtail is that 'If it's of value to you, then a thief will value it too.' ”

Suffolk police said this type of crime is one area of criminal activity where the car owner has a responsible to reduce the incidents.

Operation Ringtail is aimed at encouraging people to be more aware of the possibility of car crime and taking the necessary measures to reduce the criminal's opportunities.

The general advice is not to leave valuables in your car or anything that you have a use for and to keep valuable items at home when not strictly needed.

Police officers were due to be on hand today in the Asda car park in Whitehouse Road to provide crime reduction advice and to hand out information packs on Operation Ringtail.