Burglary campaign ‘making an impact’

South Yorkshire Police launched Operation Lockdown in October to combat a rise in acquisitive crimes across the county. The scheme has seen officers carry out high-profile patrols and issue crime prevention advice.

The force revealed yesterday that officers have arrested 1,010 people since the operation began, with 408 people charged for burglary and vehicle offences.

Current year-to-date figures, comparing April to December 2013 with the previous year, show burglary offences fell by 1,023 to 11,647, a drop of eight per cent.

Burglary dwelling offences dropped by 565 crimes to 5,407, a decrease of ten per cent, while vehicle crime has fallen by three per cent from 9,332 to 9,073.

The force was criticised by its own police and crime commissioner last year for its poor performance and has previously admitted it is “a step behind” other parts of the country for its burglary and vehicle crime rates.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Holt said the scheme was “making an impact across the county”.

He said: “This is testament to the relentless work of officers and staff but I would also thank the public for their response to our ‘Keep it safe’ campaign.

“Residents and motorists are starting to heed our crime prevention messages but there are still too many doors and windows left unlocked, and too many valuables left on view.

“The new year usually arrives with a spike in burglary and vehicle crime so I urge people to get into the habit of securing their property.

“South Yorkshire Police will continue to do its utmost to track down and arrest criminals who are intent on breaking into your car or home but everyone has a role to play in preventing the opportunist thief.”