Thefts from vehicles in north-east Ipswich have more than doubled over the last four weeks compared to the same period last year.

Police have said only 35% of the 133 cars and vans targeted throughout the entire town during that time have been left locked and with the windows done up.

Over the equivalent four weeks in 2013 there were 104 vehicle break-ins.

However, it is north-east Ipswich which has been responsible for the whole increase with 21 crimes in the same period last year compared to 57 this year.

As a result officers are once again stressing how important it is for owners to take the proper precautions to cut down the risk of being victims of crime.

Inspector Jane Coe, who leads the Safer Neighbourhood Team for north-east Ipswich, said: “We would ask people to ensure they lock their vehicles.

“We would also ask them not to leave belongings in plain view and to be vigilant.

“It is so important to keep vehicles secure and we would urge people to tell us if the see anything they believe is suspicious at any time of the day or night.”

In a bid to counteract the thefts officers have made neighbourhood watch co-ordinators aware of the rise. They have also been carrying out letter drops to residents with crime protection advice and have stepped up patrols.

The figures are yet another illustration of the surge in car crime in the town since August.

In the eight weeks between August 22 and October 16 there were 105 vehicles broken-into in the borough.

During the subsequent two weeks there were a further 64.

It is not only valuables which have been stolen. Loose change, parking permits and even a set of darts have been taken.

In addition to thefts from vehicles there has also been a spike in burglaries with warnings being issued for residents to take the appropriate precautions now the nights have pulled in.

These include leaving lights on when there is no one in the house or using timers to activate the lights at dusk.

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.