TARGETING car crime will be high on the agenda of Suffolk police as they launch an operation tomorrow to crack down on areas where the problem is most severe.

TARGETING car crime will be high on the agenda of Suffolk police as they launch an operation tomorrow to crack down on areas where the problem is most severe.

Operation Marden will aim to identify those suspected of carrying out motor vehicle crime, increase the number of crimes detected, help victims and reassure the public in the areas most affected.

Officers will work with local authorities and Youth Offending Teams to establish programmes aimed at diverting those involved in vehicle crime.

Areas most hit by the problem will be targeted with high visibility patrols and leaflets giving advice on how to reduce your chance of falling victim to car criminals.

Inspector Peter Haystead, who is overseeing the operation, said: "In 2001 the southern area of Suffolk suffered a 17.9 per cent increase in motor vehicle crime compared to the previous year. Between April and December 2000 there were 1,722 vehicle crimes. For the same period in 2001 there were 2030.

"Operation Marden is being launched in order to concentrate on specific areas that have been targeted, repeat victims and the most persistent offenders.

"Research also indicates that offenders responsible for car crime are likely to be the same people responsible for disorder and traffic offences."

Anyone who witnesses a crime should call either 999, Suffolk Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.