SUFFOLK'S long arm of the law has been left short after thieves stole dozens of police items over a two-year period.Two flashing beacons, headgear, handcuffs, cycle parts and garden equipment were among 37 thefts from the county's constabulary between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2009.

SUFFOLK'S long arm of the law has been left short after thieves stole dozens of police items over a two-year period.

Two flashing beacons, headgear, handcuffs, cycle parts and garden equipment were among 37 thefts from the county's constabulary between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2009.

The value of the items stolen from inside and outside police stations was worth nearly �6,000, of which only nine items, totalling �2,520.99, were recovered

The vast majority of the property was of relatively little worth, although it did include copper cable valued at �2,000 and two sets of plant equipment totalling �1,500, which was eventually recovered.

Rigid handcuffs (�18.95), a high- visibility utility vest (�55.21), a police cap (�20), a police helmet (�50) and part of a uniform (�30) also went missing.

An extendable baton (�42.56), wheel trims (�60), a fire extinguisher (�25) and a police accident sign (�100) were also taken and never retrieved.

The list of stolen property was released after a Freedom of Information request to Suffolk police.

Also on the itinerary were six thefts of cash totalling �401.90, while more than �1,000 worth of electrical equipment, including a camcorder, also disappeared.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: “Suffolk is a safe county. Unfortunately, though, there are occasions when even police officers become victims of crime.”