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Spate of lorry fuel thefts sparks police warning

News

Suffolk Police are urging lorry drivers and haulage companies to be vigilant after a spate of fuel thefts from HGVs parked overnight along the A14 and A12 corridors.

Why it matters: These thefts not only result in financial losses but can also damage vehicles and disrupt transport operations.

The details:

  • Multiple incidents have occurred in recent days, with thieves targeting HGVs parked in laybys and lorry parks.

  • Locations hit include Haughley, Creeting St Peter, Creeting St Mary, and Kentford.

  • Police suspect more thefts have gone unreported.

What they're saying: Superintendent Matthew Carney said, "We have seen a number of these types of thefts this year, particularly in the spring and now in the past few weeks. Thieves are damaging and breaking fuel caps in a bid to get to the fuel."

Prevention advice:

  • Install locking fuel caps and anti-siphoning devices

  • Park in well-lit, visible areas or secure compounds when possible

  • Position vehicles to make fuel tanks less accessible

  • Report suspicious activity immediately via 999

The bottom line: Police urge all incidents to be reported promptly to help gather evidence and catch those responsible.

NHS trust helps 41,000 patients with health and lifestyle changes

News

More than 41,000 patients have received support for healthier lifestyles through a new NHS programme in East Suffolk and North Essex. The Making Every Contact Count initiative has already helped thousands quit smoking and improve their diet.

Why it matters: The programme aims to tackle health inequalities between deprived and affluent areas in the region. In central Ipswich and Tendring, residents are more likely to be obese, smoke, and require emergency hospital care compared to areas like Framlingham and Great Bentley.

The big picture: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) staff are using routine patient interactions, such as outpatient appointments, to offer lifestyle support and referrals to specialist services.

A&E at Ipswich Hospital
The Making Every Contact Count initiative has already helped thousands quit smoking and improve their diet at Ipswich HospitalOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 6,500 patients have been referred to support services

  • More than half of hospital inpatients referred to stop smoking services have successfully quit

  • 23.8% of people in the most deprived areas smoke, compared to 6.8% in least deprived areas

  • Adult obesity rates are 2.4 times higher in most deprived areas

What they're doing: The trust has launched several targeted projects including:

  • A 20-week healthy eating programme for children called 'Nourish'

  • Inpatient stop smoking services at Ipswich hospital

  • Picture menus on hospital wards to encourage healthy eating

What they're saying: Sally Barber, associate director for health inequalities at ESNEFT, said: "Figures show that there is a significant difference in the quality of life experienced by people in our most deprived areas compared with that enjoyed by those in the least. Tackling health inequalities is therefore a priority for ESNEFT as we want to make sure that everyone gets the same opportunities and access to health and wellbeing support, regardless of where they live."

Bottom line: The trust plans to make the programme "business as usual" for its teams to help even more people improve their health and wellbeing in the future.

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