Exclusive:Fed up Sheffield residents patrolling streets of Darnall after dark in bid to catch burglars in the act
Residents have threatened to make citizens arrests
Fed up residents in a Sheffield neighbourhood have formed a community patrol group after a spate of burglaries - hoping to catch offenders red handed.
They began their patrols after claiming around 15 homes in Darnall were targeted in just two weeks.
Those patrolling the streets say they are prepared to make citizens' arrests if they catch offenders in the act.
The Darnall Response Group was set up after a recent wave of break-ins and car thefts left residents feeling unsafe, with volunteers now patrolling the streets on foot and by car during the early hours to deter criminals and report suspicious activity.
Ali Shah, who was born and raised in Darnall and helped establish the group, said: "There has been a spike in car thefts and burglaries in the area.
“As far as I know, there were around 15 burglaries, mostly targeting cars, in two weeks.
"Police have limited resources, so community members, elders and youngsters came together with the help of the mosque Imam.
"We formed a group of brothers from all backgrounds and all ages – an old-style neighbourhood watch group called the Darnall Response Group."
Ali said the volunteers would contact police if they spotted suspicious activity and, where appropriate, use their legal powers to detain suspects.
He said: "If anyone gets caught, a citizen's arrest will be made and they will be handed over to the police."
Zaffar Mirza, a member of the group, said it was also about creating a family, regardless of background.
He said: "A lot of the community felt no one was there for them. This is just a way of letting people know that something is happening and people are observing.
"We don't care if you're white, black, blue, Christian, Muslim, Jew - we’re one family”.
Ali said the initiative had brought together people of all ages and ethnicities.
"A lot of elders weren't aware this was happening. We've tried to come together and remember that we are one unit,” he said.
"There are lots of ethnicities and backgrounds here in Darnall, but we want people to realise that we are one group.
"It's not about being vigilantes. It's about helping people feel safe. We've got youngsters actively patrolling the streets and looking out for people in a safe and legal way."
The group recently held a free community barbecue attended by around 150 to 200 people as a thank you to volunteers and to encourage more residents to get involved.
Ali hopes that community events will start to be held every fortnight, to help strengthen neighbourhood ties.
South Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is responding to an increase in burglaries across south east Sheffield.
Inspector Katie Hammond said: "We are aware of a spike in burglaries in the south east of Sheffield and we have a dedicated plan in place to address the concerns of residents and disrupt offenders.
"My officers are working with our neighbourhood crime team and are being supported by other teams from across the force, including our roads policing colleagues, to carry out patrols aimed at preventing further offences.
"The most recent activity was ongoing throughout Wednesday night until 5am on Thursday (July 2) morning and saw officers patrolling in the Darnall, Manor, Richmond and other areas of south east Sheffield.
"I'd urge anyone who has concerns to speak to officers when they see us out and about. If you have information that could help our investigations into recent reports of burglary, then please call us on 101 or report online."