POLICE are stepping up patrols, and residents are being asked to be vigilant, following a spate of burglaries in Sheffield.
An unusually high number of break-ins have been recorded in Charnock, Frecheville, Beighton and Woodhouse - and neighbourhood officers are asking locals to be on the lookout for suspicious activity as they try to tackle the problem.
Insp Jason Booth, from Sheffield’s South East Safer Neighbourhood Team, said many of the burglaries have involved thieves entering homes through conservatories, windows and back doors, stealing valuables including jewellery, laptops and televisions.
“On one particular day there were three or four burglaries,” said Insp Booth.
“We’ve certainly seen more than we would normally. We will try to do our bit with patrols, but what we need is the public to be our eyes and ears and take positive steps to make it as difficult for the burglars as possible.”
He said the crooks have mainly struck in the afternoons and early evenings over the past three weeks.
“Entry has been gained to the rear of the properties – they’re all very similar,” Insp Booth added. “They may be linked. It isn’t necessarily one person, it could be a number of people involved.”
He said householders should remove items from back gardens which could be used to smash windows or force locks, such as spades.
“If you see something that isn’t right, or are offered stolen property, phone us.
“We’d rather come out and find somebody in their back garden lawfully than somebody breaking into a house.”
Insp Booth said the Safer Neighbourhood Team is working closely with CID.
Witnesses or anyone with information about the break-ins should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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