'People should feel safe in their own homes' councillor says after balaclava-clad burglars hit Sheffield homes
“What residents have experienced here is completely unacceptable”
Balaclava-clad burglars are terrorising residents on a Sheffield estate.
Myrtle Close, Myrtle Drive and Myrtle Crescent in Arbourthorne have been plagued by masked bike riders burgling homes, according to city councillor Ben Miskell.
He said there have been “a number” of burglaries and he is calling for local residents to identify those responsible.
Last Friday (August 21), Dean Krause saw his home hit, with CCTV footage capturing the moment thieves hurled a rock through his window and broke into his home.
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He said the burglars did not spend long inside but escaped with £200 in cash, eight watches and an old phone.
“I suppose you’re always worried it will happen again, but you have just got to keep as positive as you can,” Dean said.
“There’s no point worrying and worrying because it’s not going to get you anywhere.”
Dean thanked the police for their help, saying officers arrived “really quickly” after his 999 call and crime scene investigators were also deployed.
But he said he is worried that there’s little to deter repeat offending, adding that he doesn’t believe the perpetrators were an “organised gang” but just kids.
He went on to say: “We’ve got camera up, but as you can see they didn’t give a damn.”
Neighbours have spotted people on bikes riding around the streets, but Dean asked “what are you supposed to do?” - arguing that if they call police, they’ll use their bikes to flee by the time officers arrive.
Increased police patrols have been suggested, but Dean added: “When they’re on their bikes would someone walking up and down put them off? Or would they just wait for them to go?
“Obviously it’s a deterrent, but they can’t be here 24/7.”
He said that these days kids have “naff all” to do and fall into criminal behaviour, with the justice system not doing enough to deter further crime.
“If these people do get caught, what is going to happen? Are they just going to get a slap on the wrist and let out to do it again?” he added.
Ward councillor Ben Miskell, who represents Park and Arbourthorne, has called on police to “take action” and bring the offending to an end.
“People should be able to feel safe in their own homes. What residents have experienced here is completely unacceptable,” Coun Miskell said.
“I’m making a public appeal: if you know who these individuals are, have information that could help identify them, or spot them or their bikes out in the community, please pass that information on to the police.
“The simple fact is that there are more of us than there are of them. As a community, if we look out for each other and share what we know with the police, we can help identify the people responsible and make sure they get a knock on the door from the police.
“I’ll also be calling on the police locally to step up patrols, take action against those responsible and make sure victims get the support they need.”
Call 101 and quote crime reference number 14/149719/26.