IPSWICH: A doorbell-nabbing thief is being sought by police today after eight were stolen from homes in an Ipswich cul-de-sac.

Officers are asking anyone with information about the thefts to call them after the bells were taken over the course of an eight-day period.

At first residents were unaware that other neighbouring properties had been targeted by the thief.

The thefts were eventually discovered after a visitor called on a resident in the Pinebrook area of Ipswich. The visitor knocked on the door of a semi-detached property in Acorn Close, off Belmont Road.

When the occupant asked why they had not rung the doorbell the visitor said they could not see one.

The female householder discovered the stick-on bell had been taken.

When she made enquiries at other properties in the cul-de-sac, it was discovered that seven other premises in the close had also had their bells stolen.

The matter was then reported to police.

Officers have said the doorbells were taken some time between 7pm on Monday, January 3, and 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 11.

Lisa McGrann, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Anyone with information is asked to telephone Sergeant Ian Watson at the Babergh East Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

n Were you one of the people affected by the thefts? Telephone The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324791 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.