A POLICE inspector today said more information is needed to help them cut crime in part of Suffolk.Inspector Lincoln Pratt was speaking as it was revealed house burglaries have increased by 45 per cent in the Hadleigh area between April and July this year compared to the same period last year.

A POLICE inspector today more information is needed to help them cut crime in part of Suffolk.

Inspector Lincoln Pratt was speaking as it was revealed house burglaries have increased by 45 per cent in the Hadleigh area between April and July this year compared to the same period last year.

Theft from motor vehicles rose by 22pc (up to 17), vehicle tampering by nine 82pc (to nine) and burglaries of other buildings by 113pc (up to 44).

However, violence against the person fell by 21, a drop of 21pc, and theft from shops by six, a 27pc fall.

Speaking in a report to neighbourhood watch groups and parish councils, Insp Pratt said he was disappointed by the figures, adding: "We continue to work hard to reduce this increase."

But he admitted: "We still lack quality intelligence to assist us in this respect."

Burglars targeted four homes in Hadleigh and others in Wherstead, Hitcham, Tattingstone, Bildeston and Shotley during this period. Attempted burglaries were also carried out in Sproughton and Pinewood.

Insp Pratt said: "While all burglaries are traumatic for the victim, substantial property was stolen in just three of these offences."

He added police had also dealt with an incident of racial abuse in the Hadleigh area, coming in the wake of the July 7 London bombings.

He said: "Regretfully, we have had racial abuse even in this rural sector against a minority ethnic family, which is quite deplorable.

"I ask that any such abuse is brought to our attention straight away to ensure victims are supported in the appropriate way."