Senior detectives are speaking out to reassure Capel St Mary residents who have expressed fears for their safety after several homes in the village were targeted by burglars.
Concerned villagers asked police chiefs at a public meeting whether more bobbies on the beat would be available to deter criminals after a string of break-ins were reported in the village.
Burglars have forced their way into homes in Mill Hill, Plough Road, Thorney Road and Sawyers Close over the last few weeks, with one homeowner being threatened as he tried to confront them.
Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore hosted the meeting. Responding to one resident, who said he was concerned about people being safe in their own homes, he said: “Resources are not available to have a police officer on every street corner. The pattern of crime has changed, meaning there is more hidden crime such as online crime and fraud, which will not be addressed by a greater visibility of police officers.”
However, Superintendent Kerry Cutler moved to reassure people that efforts are being made to reduce the number of burglaries.
She added: “Suffolk is one of the safest places to live, and there is still a focus on crimes such as burglaries,which are discussed every day by the locality meeting.”
Police have urged residents to stay vigilant – and are exploring the possibility that the crimes may be linked.
Since the beginning of November, at least four home burglaries have been reported to the force.
Suspects broke into a home in Mill Hill, Capel St Mary, between 12.30pm and 2.20pm on November 15, stealing cash and jewellery.
On the same day, burglars broke into a property in Plough Road at around 1.10pm.
Cash was stolen from a home in Thorney Road last Thursday between 3.30pm and 5.15pm, and jewellery and digital cameras were taken from a property in Sawyers Close the next day between 8am and 8.50pm.
Power tools were also stolen from transit vans parked Lower Street, Stratford St Mary on November 7 between 5.30pm and 5.50pm and in The Street, Capel St Mary last Friday afternoon, between 3pm and 6.30pm.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information about the burglaries.
To help, call police on 101 quoting reference 73639/17.
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