CRIMINALS on the Felixstowe peninsula could face being stopped and having their vehicles searched as part of a Christmas crackdown on theft and burglary.

CRIMINALS on the Felixstowe peninsula could face being stopped and having their vehicles searched as part of a Christmas crackdown on theft and burglary.

Police are targeting known offenders as part of a special operation to catch those whose crimes cause misery, gathering intelligence from a variety of sources to help spot which cars to stop.

Officers in the Woodbridge sector are also carrying out a similar operation and there is close liaison taking place where suspect cars may be in the areas.

Felixstowe police commander Insp Andy Bushell said: "If people come to Felixstowe to commit crime or commit crime in the town and are leaving the area they have to use certain approach roads in their journeys to and from.

"At various times over the next few weeks – afternoons, evenings and the early hours – we will be stopping certain vehicles to do routine checks on them and their drivers, and, where it is appropriate, searches of the vehicles.

"We will want to know where they have been and where they are going, and will be looking very closely at them if there is anything suspicious."

The operation is part of a series of initiatives to keep crime at the resort low.

Officers are already offering the town's most persistent criminals a "premium service" with beat officers "adopting" a couple of troublemakers each and giving them personal attention, keeping a very close eye on them.

Those targeted are criminals living in Felixstowe responsible for large amounts of the crime committed in the town – including burglaries, drug dealing, car crime, shoplifting, and anti-social problems, such as disorder and damage.

They are receiving visits to their homes, letters to know that their movements and activities are being watched, and Christmas cards.

Patrols are also being stepped up in areas near licensed premises to ensure people can have a safe night out during the festive season as part of Nightsafe.

"As part of the initiative, in the run-up to Christmas additional high-profile uniformed patrols will be used to provide a visible presence in the main town areas, with the aim of preventing and detecting offences," said Insp Bushell.

"Other measures, including stop checks and the use of a hand-held video camera, will also be deployed and officers will be liaising closely with local venues to try to reduce incidents and promote safety messages."

During the summer, hard work by officers ensured all types of crime at the resort fell with burglaries down 16 per cent, nuisance and disorder down 18pc, vehicle crime down 30pc, and criminal damage down nine pc.