Police warn residents over burglary posters

POLICE yesterday warned residents against putting up posters in their neighbourhood accusing a local teenager of attempted burglaries.

Residents in the Walkley area of Sheffield have taken the drastic action after a spate of break-ins in the area, prompting someone to tape a picture of the suspected culprit onto lamp posts.

The poster features an image of a tracksuit-clad teenage boy, aged between 13 and 16, and warns people to lock their windows and doors.

It says: “The child pictured and his acquaintances have been witnessed attempting break-ins on several occasions in this area. Be vigilant for people enter yards and trying doors.”

Acting Inspector John Kirkham said: “Posters of this nature can be misleading in the information they contain and may prompt unlawful action.

“Officers have recently located and removed several of these posters, we are treating this matter seriously and we are making enquiries to identify whoever is responsible for distributing the posters.”

Residents and shopkeepers said they have been plagued by gangs of youths.

Chris Beech, who runs a local butcher’s said: “We have kids coming in here and the shop next door just taking things of the shelves.”