MORE than 1,600 burglaries have been reported across Barnsley over the latest 12-month period and officers are urging residents to remain vigilant as the nights draw in due to an expected spike in the coming months.
South Yorkshire Police’s Dark Nights campaign has now officially launched and bosses are asking locals to keep their belongings safe and to not make it ‘easy’ for criminals.
The latest data, obtained by the Chronicle, shows that there were 1,650 reported burglary incidents across the entirety of Barnsley over the last 12 months.
The Barnsley West Neighbourhood Policing Team which covers areas such as Penistone responded to the most incidents last year, a total of 395.
However, Barnsley’s South East Neighbourhood Policing Team which oversees areas such as Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-upon-Dearne received 237 reports which accounted for eight per cent of all crimes.
This was the highest across the entire borough and double that of incidents in Barnsley Central.
Chief Superintendent Peter Thorp, the force lead for neighbourhood crime, said: “Our officers continue to work hard to ensure criminals don’t take advantage of these easy opportunities, and take away belongings that you would have worked hard for.
“We have a number of dedicated operations across the force currently ongoing, and that will be continuing as we head into Halloween and then the festive period.
“These include dedicated increased patrols in areas that have been identified to see higher rates of burglary or vehicle thefts and specialist teams who look at repeat offenders and patterns they tend to follow, ensuring they get they get them but behind bars.”
Over the last three years, police have responded to more than 5,000 burglaries in Barnsley meaning last year’s figure of 1,650 is almost a third.
Bosses admit that during this time of year they see a spike in the number of burglaries across Barnsley and they’re urging locals to be vigilant, especially as the night draws in.
A police spokesperson said: “Burglars will use a variety of ways to avoid being noticed.
“They don’t want to be seen or heard by a neighbour or passer-by because they will feel exposed and identifiable.
“Distraction burglars will pretend to be someone they are not, so it’s important you are aware of the common methods they will use to get you to let them into your property.
“There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door genuine callers won’t mind.
“Always remember ‘if in doubt, keep them out’.”
