POLICE today warned Suffolk residents to be on their guard as criminals take advantage of the dark evenings and worsening weather during the coming winter months.

POLICE today warned Suffolk residents to be on their guard as criminals take advantage of the dark evenings and worsening weather during the coming winter months.

Householders are being warned to protect their property by installing security lights and ensuring hedges and shrubs are cut back to stop them from providing cover for crooks sneaking around in the dark.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “Always keep door and windows locked, and keep outbuildings secure.

“Houses, sheds and garages can also be alarmed. Fix mesh or bars on the inside of any shed or garage windows to deter criminals from breaking in.

“Never hide a spare key somewhere outside of the property - criminals will know where to look.

“Lights and radios inside houses can be placed on a timer, to come on when the house is empty and give the impression someone is home.”

They also reminded owners of valuable items that they can enter serial numbers and details on the free Immobilise national property database, at www.immobilise.com.

If any stolen items are then recovered, police can check them against the database and return them swiftly to their rightful owners.

Any suspicious activity can be reported to police on 01473 613500 or if a crime is in progress, by dialling 999.

Alternatively if anyone sees suspicious activity and wants to report it anonymously, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

More in information is available at www.suffolk.police.uk

Have you been a victim of crime in Suffolk? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk