Local police warn of increase in thefts of property belonging to Airmen Published April 15, 2011 By Staff Reports 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- There has recently been another rise in the number of burglaries and thefts from vehicles belonging to U.S. Air Force members living on RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath and the surrounding areas, according to Police Constable Paul Glover, Ministry of Defence Police. The majority of the thefts from vehicles happened because the vehicle was left unsecure, and items have been left on display in plain sight. "Items being stolen include MP3 players, electronic items and military uniforms," said P.C. Glover. "It's not only costly to the victim, but poses a security risk if U.S. military uniforms end up in the wrong hands, as the uniforms have identifying names and squadron insignia on them." Ministry of Defence Police, Suffolk Constabulary, 100th Security Forces Squadron and 48th SFS personnel will be carrying out "hot spot" patrols, in housing areas both on and off base. The patrols will identify vehicles having items on view, as well as those which are left unsecure. They will be carried out at various times throughout the day, and the police and security forces members will talk with the owners of vehicles found left unsecure or with items left in plain view, and advise them of security measures they should take. The MoD Police offer the following tips to help avoid thefts: Lock all doors and windows if you are away from your home/vehicle for any length of time. Ensure all external doors are closed and secure, even when at home. Record details of any high-value items. Details should include serial numbers, photographing jewelry and marking items with your postcode. Members of the MoD Police or Suffolk Constabulary can engrave or mark items with postcode or other identifying codes if required. Doing this will assist the police in recovering stolen items and returning them to the rightful owner. Don't leave high-value items on show outside your property. This includes items such as bicycles and lawnmowers. If items must be left out, make sure they are secured with a heavy-duty padlock and chain. If your vehicle is fitted with an immobilizer or car alarm, make sure you use it. Remove any items of value from your vehicle, and leave the items inside your house, out of sight and away from windows. Don't, under any circumstances, leave any identifying documentation in your vehicle, including the V5 registration document, insurance and Ministry of Transport certificates. Securely lock doors, ensure windows are fully closed and activate alarms or immobilizers when leaving your vehicle for any length of time. Do not leave your car parked with the engine running, even for just a few minutes. It's illegal, and is a sitting target for thieves. If you see anything suspicious, whether people or vehicles, get a description or the vehicle registration/license plate, and call the police as soon as possible. Contact numbers for on- and off-base police, to report a theft of any kind, are as follows: MoD Police, 07771 614281 Suffolk Constabulary, 01473 613756 Norfolk Constabulary, 0845 4564567 Cambridge Constabulary, 01480 456111 RAF Mildenhall Law Enforcement Desk, 238-2667 or 01638 542667 RAF Lakenheath Law Enforcement Desk, 226-2333 or 01638-522333 Taking these simple precautions will help stop you becoming a victim of crime, and will assist the police in catching offenders.