Police have issued a warning and an appeal for information after a series of thefts and attempted break ins in the hadleigh area.

The incidents are being linked to similar criminal activity in other parts of Suffolk and in many of the cases a white Audi estate vehicle was seen to be in the area.

A string of thefts and attempted thefts took place during the same overnight period last week, between Wed September 30 and Thursday October 1.

Inspector Kevin Horton said: "Enquiries are on-going to locate the suspects and were are following a number of leads. I'd urge all those who own vans used for building, maintenance and trade to stay vigilant and think carefully about what crime prevention methods you can use to stop becoming a victim."

Police are appealing for help with these and you can call 101 and quote the bracketing reference number.

These include a hole being drilled in the rear doors of a white Peugeot Expert van on George Street allowing access to open doors although nothing was stolen. (37/57241/20)

On Woodthorpe Road in Hadleigh the rear door of white Peugeot Partner van was drilled, allowing door to be open and a bag on Makita Power Tools stolen from inside (37/57215/20).

On Tayler Road in Hadleigh a white Ford Connect had its door damaged with a hole drilled into it, although nothing was stolen (37/57190/20).

At Clopton Gardens in Hadleigh a silver Ford transit was damaged after it had holes drilled in a side door but nothing was taken (37.57158.20).

At Alabaster Close a Peugeot Partner had its doors drilled after leaving it parked on 30 September at 1pm, only to return the following day at 10am to find the damage. Nothing was stolen (37/57266/20)

At Canterbury Road on Thursday 1 October in the evening a red van had its lock drilled, gaining entry with power tools were stolen (37/57266/20). In the same street a white Renault Traffic van had its doors drilled and tools stolen (37/57268/20) as did a Vauxhall Vivaro van (37/57272/20) and the tools inside were also stolen.

Owners of vans are reminded to follow the below crime prevention advice:

Always lock all doors& shut windows, physically checking doors are locked.

Park in a garage or secure area covered by CCTV where possible

Mark all tools with an engraver and/or permanent marker with your postcode/initials and/or using forensic markers.

Register tools for free at: www.immobilise.com

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area should contact Suffolk police, quoting the relevant crime number using the police website here.

Phone – Call 101