Burglary 'has become significant issue in Doncaster' - police column

We saw 31 residential break-ins in Bessacarr over November and December, and something similar in Cantley. It has been an issue in many parts of the neighbourhood.

It is clear there are a number of active criminals involved in these offences and although action is underway to gather evidence against of them, we have taken further steps to tackle this problem.

We have introduced a dedicated burglary team who will concentrate solely on this crime type and ensure every possible line of enquiry is followed. We have also increased patrols and will target those we suspect are involved.

But people should also take crime prevention steps like checking windows and doors are locked when they are at home watching TV or in the garden, checking the quality of their locks and keeping valuables out of sight. Check the police website, www.southyorks.police.uk, for more suggestions.

We are having some successes. A man was arrested on January 12 suspected of three residential burglaries between September and November last year on Spansyke Street, Travis Gardens and Shady Side, Hexthorpe. He has been charged with these offences.

Another two men were arrested in Stainton on January 7 for an attempted residential burglary. One was charged and remanded to prison whilst the other was released on bail with conditions.

Only on Wednesday night a man was arrested in Bessacarr for attempting to steal a car using a car key taken during a burglary a few weeks earlier. He was released under investigation. Other people have been arrested and released under investigation as colleagues in CID pursue a variety of enquiries.

There was an attempted burglary on December 23 in Bawtry where a car was reversed into the front of a supermarket in an attempt to force entry to it. The occupants were seen but did not get into the shop and the vehicle made off. Enquiries continue into this crime.

We have also seized had a few Cannabis set ups, including 100 plants at a house on Beaconsfield Road and a further 50 plants on 9 January at Norman Crescent, Rossington.