Exclusive:Sheffield family considers installing bars on windows to turn home into 'prison' after masked raiders strike
A Sheffield family is considering installing bars on their windows after their home was targeted by masked raiders.
Nathan and Phoebe Kirby’s family home in the Basegreen area of Sheffield was hit by a gang of masked robbers while they were out taking their children to nursery and their dog to the groomers.
Intruders broke through a window in broad daylight before making off with jewellery of sentimental value.
“As we drove off we saw someone on a bike with a mask,” Phoebe told The Star.
“From the neighbour’s CCTV footage, we saw him follow us down the road.”
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CCTV Footage shared with The Star shows two people wearing masks arrive at the house on an electric bike - with Nathan and Phoebe saying another waited around the corner.
It goes on to show them clamber over the garden fence and attempt to open the back door to the house.
The raiders subsequently smashed a window and climbed into the property, stealing jewellery from inside.
“They’ve taken quite a lot of sentimental jewellery from passed away relatives,” Nathan added.
“It’s jewellery that has been passed down through generations.”
At the time, a neighbour saw what was happening and approached the family’s house.
Nathan and Phoebe believe this scared the crooks off, with CCTV showing the group running off down the street.
South Yorkshire Police were called at around 3pm and the force said officers conducted door to door enquiries.
However, Nathan and Pheobe have raised concerns over the police investigation, saying that CSI initially refused to visit as videos showed the culprits wearing gloves and it was only days later when the couple found footprints and clothing fibres that they did attend.
They also claim that police officers told them they had seen some people on an e-bike carrying a pillowcase on the day of the raid, but were unable to stop them.
The Star understands that patrolling officers saw masked individuals on e-bikes in the area, however because they had not yet received reports of a crime had no reason or permission to stop them. By the time a report had come out and searches began, they weren’t found.
“The police saw the suspects on the day of the crime and didn't try to stop them,” Nathan added.
“The reluctance of the CSI to attend the crime scene and just the general defeated sentiment of law enforcement involved - we’re disappointment in the system in general.”
The couple thanked neighbours for their help, but said that the ‘brazenness’ of the criminals goes to how little enforcement is in place.
Most recently, the family received a ‘protect your home’ pack from police, which has only caused further frustration.
“The sheer audacity of it,” Nathan said in response.
“They literally smashed through in broad daylight - this isn't a ‘protect yourself better’ situation.”
However the family said they are now planning on putting bars on their windows, saying they feel they’re having to turn their own home into a ‘prison’.
“We are now considering getting bars on the windows - the irony that we will secure the home as if a prison, since they (the burglars) likely won't see the inside of one,” Nathan said.
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Nathan and Phoebe have shared information about the raid on Facebook in the hope of eventually getting their belongings back.
South Yorkshire Police said the force is continuing to investigate and examine CCTV footage. The force is also asking anyone with relevant information to get in touch.
A force spokesperson said: “At 3.06pm on Thursday, April 2 we received reports of a burglary at a property.
“It is reported that two men broke into a property and stole items of jewellery before fleeing in the direction of White Lane.
“Officers attended and have launched an investigation. House to house enquiries have been carried out and officers are examining CCTV footage from the location.
“CSI have also attended and carried out examinations of the scene.
“Officers are in contact with the victim and enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information should call101 quoting incident number 584 of April 2, 2026.