MORE police are today patrolling the streets of north west Ipswich after a crime spree in the area.

MORE police are today patrolling the streets of north west Ipswich after a crime spree in the area.

There has been a marked increase in the number of minor crimes, like car thefts and thefts from vehicles, and as a result officers are working with community groups to tackle the root of the issue.

Allison Whyborn, chairman of the Whitton Residents Association, said: “We have noticed an increase in crimes and there are more police around at the moment. The trouble is a lot of the time people don't report it and we would really encourage them to do so. I think there are more crimes than are publicised and they are more varied.

“We work closely with the North West Safer Neighbourhood Team. The more we can do as a community, the better it will be.”

The group is planning to host some of the police surgeries at their portable buildings in Whitton Church Lane to enable people to talk to officers in a different environment.

This latest news comes as police continue to hunt for a gang of thieves who may have swooped in Bramford, near north west Ipswich, after targeting properties in mid-Suffolk villages, as revealed in yesterday's The Evening Star.

Suffolk Police's chief inspector Mark Jepson, district commander of Ipswich, said: “We have increased patrolling within the north west area of Ipswich due to an increased number of incidents of theft from motor vehicles and of motor vehicles in the area.

“We continue to work hard to reduce the number of these crimes in this area.

“Safer Neighbourhood Teams provide dedicated teams of police officers and police community support officers in the heart of communities countywide. The teams include local councils, community partners and volunteers working alongside the police officers and police staff. The public are able to influence the priorities of their local team.

“Where 'hot spots' are identified, they become the subject of a problem solving strategy. We work with our partner agencies to highlight the problems and provide solutions and hold frequent area forums to discuss such emerging issues.”

Anybody who witnesses suspicious activity should contact the local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or if the crime is taking place call 999 immediately.

Do you live in the area and have noticed the increase? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.