Holidaymakers' burglary warning

Offenders have been hitting houses in the Broom area, where they smashed windows to gain entry.

Three offences were reported this week where complainants had returned from trips to find their properties had been broken into.

Police believe the burglars have spent a long time searching for valuables, knowing that families are probably away on holiday.

Police are now appealing for information about the incidents – and warning those going away to secure their homes with alarm systems.

One burglary happened between 10pm on Saturday August 18 and 9am the next day on Stag Lane, where 700 damage was caused and a laptop and ignition key stolen.

Another occurred on Wickersley Road between Saturday August 4 and Sunday August 19, where the residents returned home to find 1,000 of property stolen, including a games console and games, a portable music player and jewellery. The offenders caused 500 of damage to the property.

The third incident took place on Grange Road between Sunday August 19 and 6am on Monday August 20, with 200 of damage caused and more than 3,600 of jewellery stolen.

Police have also warned residents in Brinsworth to be on guard after a number of sheds and some homes were targeted by thieves.

Offenders have been using clothes' lines to hook onto and open window handles.

Crime Reduction Officer Andy Robinson said: "If a property is unoccupied all windows should be closed and secured. Keys for window locks should not be left in the locks but rather left out of sight.

"One of the solutions here is to have an intruder alarm fitted and set every time the property is left unoccupied."

Anyone with information about the incidents in Broom or Brinsworth should email [email protected] or call DC Norton in the Rotherham Burglary Unit on 01709 832635.

Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555111.