Large scale tyre blazes spark concern near Doncaster road

Old tyres have been set alight on a large scale recently – and it is a trend we plan to stop, writes Insp Andy Coulter.
By David Kessen
Published 10th Jan 2020, 08:05 BST
Updated 14th Jan 2020, 09:40 BST
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The recent increase in this large scale burning on land off Doncaster Road at Barnby Dun/Kirk Sandall late in 2019 and early this year is a worrying trend, a significant drain on fire service resources, and environmentally damaging. We are working hard with relevant partners to address and identify those responsible. I am appealing for any information in respect of those responsible to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

On the morning of December 18, our officers attended HMP Lindholme after reports three men were catapulting packages into the prison grounds. Three men from outside South Yorkshire were detained at scene and evidence recovered. Enquiries are ongoing and this highlights the partnership we have with our prisons. Those intent on trying to get banned items into prisoners will be robustly processed and may find themselves serving a prison sentence themselves if convicted.

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In the early hours of December 21, a car being driven at high speed and pursued by North Yorkshire traffic officers came off the motorway at Thorne. South Yorkshire traffic units attended but district officers stopped the vehicle outside Thorne Police Station with a tyre deflation device. No one was injured. The driver was arrested and later charged with motoring offences.

File picture: Firefighters damp down after tyres were set ablaze at an industrial unit in Grimethorpe near BarnsleyFile picture: Firefighters damp down after tyres were set ablaze at an industrial unit in Grimethorpe near Barnsley
File picture: Firefighters damp down after tyres were set ablaze at an industrial unit in Grimethorpe near Barnsley

Overall, reported crime fell by 165 crime reports (22.2 per cent) and 14 antisocial behaviour reports (11.5 per cent) compared with last month, which is encouraging and testament to the work by police and our partners.

But residential burglaries in Armthorpe rose, though over the last week or so there have been some significant arrests involving those suspected of these offences across the region. It is hoped this will address some of the issues. We are appealing for any information in respect of those responsible for burglaries in the area.

This will be my last column as I hand over the East neighbourhood team to Insp Alison Carr.

She will be joined by Sgt Mike Miles. These changes will be seamless and you will not see any significant changes in the operation of the team.