More than 30 vehicles were targeted by thieves in seven days as the upsurge in car crime continues in Ipswich.

Police have previously issued a warning about keeping vehicles and properties adequately secured after a spike in burglaries, and thefts from cars and vans in the town.

Last week the Star reported that there had been 105 vehicles broken-into in Ipswich in the eight weeks between August 22 and October 16.

Now the latest police figures show a further 34 cars and vans were targeted between October 17 and 23.

Nearly a third of these were in Castle Hill, the Crofts and Whitton, with five of the thefts taking place in Ashcroft Road.

Among the items stolen were a parking permit, a set of darts, wallets and loose change. In one of the Ashcroft Road break-ins only a £1 coin was taken.

Other property included a set of wooden bowls, power tools and a spare wheel and cover.

Police have said they believe the number of offenders responsible for the majority of the crimes is low.

Detective Inspector David Giles, of Ipswich police, said: “We have also seen an increase in vehicle crime.

“It is probably one offender at a time committing large numbers of these crimes. We do everything we can to catch people, but it is very difficult unless there is CCTV or someone witnesses it and tells us.

“We also know we have a number of thefts from cars where people have left their vehicles unlocked.”

Between August 22 and October 16 there were 48 burglaries and six attempted burglaries.

During the seven days starting October 17 there were another three burglaries – in Colchester Road, Foxhall Road and Belstead Road.

There were also four attempted burglaries – in Raeburn Road, Westerfield Road, Lacey Street and Surrey Road.

Anyone who sees a crime in progress should telephone 999. Alternatively, if you have any information which could help catch offenders telephone Suffolk Constabulary on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

See page 10 for this week’s Crime Map.