Police issue warning over new way burglars are breaking into homes across Sheffield

South Yorkshire Police said the force has seen an increase in burglaries in Sheffield over the last week, where intruders stole keys to homes through cat flaps and letterboxes.

The most common method involves crooks pushing a pole through cat flaps and letterboxes and hooking sets of keys left close to doors.

Detective Sergeant Lee Corker, from Sheffield’s Burglary Team, said: “The simplest way to avoid being a victim of this type of crime is to get into good habits and not make it easy for thieves.

“When you get back from the shop, don’t leave your car keys on the table near the front door, or the kitchen worktop just above a cat flap. By simply putting your keys out of sight makes your home much less appealing to thieves, the same goes for purses, wallets and open handbags.

“We’ve seen criminals operating like this get away with cash, bank cards and of course, cars parked outside on the drive.

“Another tip is to have a look around your garden for any poles, sticks or other gardening equipment that could be used to thieves’ advantage. Get it tidied away into a shed or your garage if possible."

DS Corker added: “Another thing I’d really urge you to do is lock your door, even when you’re in the house.

“I know it sounds blatantly obvious, but so many burglaries reported to us are because doors or windows are just left unlocked.”

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