Extra police officers drafted in to tackle vehicle crime in Sheffield

Extra officers were drafted in to patrol the south east of the city, where areas including Basegreen have suffered an increase in thefts from cars and vans over recent weeks.

A white van believed to have been seen on a number of roads where thefts have been reported was followed by officers during the operation but crashed and the driver fled.

The van is to be examined by forensic experts in a bid to identify the driver.

Inspector Jason Booth said: "We put every available officer in the south east out and about during the night shift on the streets to address our sudden increase in vehicle crime.

"Officers attempted to stop a van in the Basegreen area, the occupants made off at high speed, crashed the vehicle a short time later and ran off.

"The vehicle has been recovered for forensic examination.

"We have had reports of a white van being seen close to some of our recent crimes."

He said the operation will be repeated, using officers in both plain and marked police cars.

Anyone with information on those stealing from cars and vans should call South Yorkshire Police on 101.