POLICE raids, extra high visibility patrols and good old-fashioned detective work will all play a part in a blitz on Sheffield burglars today as officers launch their latest operation against criminals.
The Operation Impact crackdown takes place in Sheffield and Rotherham in a bid to tackle burglary, which is a key priority for South Yorkshire Police.
Nine per cent of all crimes committed in South Yorkshire last year were burglaries, often committed by repeat offenders.
And between February 2012 and January this year there has been a six per cent rise in burglaries across the county - with 488 more offences committed compared with 2011/12.
Police warned over a quarter of burglaries committed - 26 per cent - were at homes where the householders had left doors or windows open.
They want residents to do their bit to cut crime, too.
Force lead for burglary, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Stopford, who is leading the day of action, said: “As a force we will continue to make an impact on burglary, as a commitment to our communities to tackle this crime and target criminals in South Yorkshire who make people’s lives a misery. “Not only will we bring these offenders before the courts but we will also seek to seize their assets, which are often illegally gained.”
As well enforcement action, officers will be offering crime prevention advice to householders.
Police community support officers will be distributing leaflets at crime prevention stalls to show members of the public how to secure their homes and warning them to be cautious of doorstep callers.
They will also visit addresses which are vulnerable to burglary and offer to postcode-mark property with UV pens and permanent markers.
The marking means that, if property is stolen, it can be reunited quickly with its owners if found.
Residents will also be given advice on how to register their belongings on the Immobilise database, which also allows stolen goods to be matched to their owners.
A similar crackdown took place in Barnsley and Doncaster on Tuesday.
In Barnsley, officers arrested nine people, charged two with burglary offences, and visited homes to mark up property.
In Doncaster, 12 people were arrested for burglary and drugs offences, and police seized 20 bicycles and 400 cannabis plants.
Comments