Extra police patrols as burglaries gang targets Doncaster village

Thieves have been getting inside properties by snapping vulnerable locks, and on several occasions have also taken cars.

Unfortunately, this spike in burglaries is affecting Hatfield at present. We saw 15 burglaries in the whole of July, and had already seen that number of break-ins in the village with well over a week still to go in August.

Extra patrols are now being put on in Hatfield in the early hours of the morning. There appear to be a number of suspects working together. I’m asking for any information, and for public awareness. Make sure your car keys are out of view. Make sure your windows are closed. If your lock is vulnerable, have it changed, and if you have information, pass it to us or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

However we have seen a fall in thefts of catalytic converters in Doncaster East.

We had made two arrests earlier in the summer in Dunscroft. One of those suspects was subsequently arrested again, when a car was stopped and two converters were found inside. Another man was also arrested, but another fled. We plan to arrest him.

No catalytic converters have been stolen this month in Doncaster East.

Hot weather during August has seen our officers adding sections of canal to their beat. There have been reports of people jumping into the water to cool down.

People have died in the past jumping into open water. There have been deaths in Skelbrooke and Mexborough in the last couple of years. People have drowned after their bodies have gone into shock, or they have got tangled in material under the water, regardless of how strong a swimmer they are.

We have been patrolling at Moor Road, Thorne, and near St Oswald’s Church, at Kirk Sandall, advising people of the dangers, and we are working with the fire service and the Canal and River Trust to put in place warning signs.

Patrols at St Oswald’s Church have also looked at antisocial behaviour involving cars, and will issue warnings to motorists driving antisocially.