Seven million cigs seized in Doncaster raid: Police column

Our officers in Doncaster East supported a raid on the property, in Sykehouse, at the request of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and also helped stop a lorry which was containing cigarettes, which were thought to have not had tax paid on them.

One arrest was made, and the investigation and any future prosecution will be carried out by HMRC.

This was one of many incidents attended by our officers in the last few weeks, which has been a period which has seen a number of residential burglaries in which the offenders have targeted properties to take car keys to high value vehicles – then stealing them. We often find entry has been gained by overcoming poor quality door locks. this. We recommend fitting snap safe lock cylinders to upvc or composite doors of minimum 3* standard. Exterior wooden doors should have a five lever mortice lock fitted. Consider fitting a top and bottom bolt to patio or French doors, and make sure keys are kept safe and out of sight.

However, we have recently made an arrest relating to this sort of crime. On July 24 we arrested two men after a car, suspected as stolen from Lonsdale Avenue, Intake, was found in Armthorpe. The car has been returned to its owners. Other recent arrests for this sort of crime in our area have been made in Lincolnshire, and a further four males were arrested recently having been found in a stolen vehicle from a burglary which occurred in March.

The previous day, on July 23, we carried out a search warrant at a caravan site at Kirkhouse Green. As a result we seized 1kg of cannabis bush and cash. One person was arrested.

In Stainforth, there have been two incidents of note over the past month; one male was arrested, charged and remanded to court for threatening a police officer and PCSOs. There was also an incident which occurred on Beech Crescent, Stainforth on Sunday afternoon where a young male was assaulted. We are working to identify all the people involved. If you have any information call 101 quoting incident number 731 of July 7, 2019 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In Hatfield, a 20 year old male who we have been trying to trace in relation to residential burglaries and theft from cars was arrested by the neighbourhood team recently.

He appeared at Sheffield Crown Court and was remanded into custody. We also had good news on complaints about off road bikes and anti-social behaviour - on June 30, our off-road bike team attended the old sand quarry, off Mill Hill Road, Hatfield. A total of 10 vehicles were on site and all were ejected with warnings that machines will be seized should they return.

From speaking with individuals it seems this location is promoted on the internet as a legal location, and many believed they could ride there. This is NOT the case. Official written warnings are in place and bikes can and will be seized without further warnings should they be found at the location. Residents are encouraged to report further issues via 101 or online reporting.

Unfortunately, we saw a significant spike in residential burglaries in Edenthorpe a few weeks ago. Since June 26, we have recorded 17 actual and four attempted burglaries. Nine of these occurred during one night when sheds and garages were targeted. Just over a week later, another five were committed, where the house was entered and the car keys taken for four vehicles. We will continue with patrols in the area, but if you have any information please contact us.

We joined forces with partner agencies for a day of action in Askern and Norton recently.

The operation was led by Sgt Dan Wilson. He said: “The operation was just one in of a series of days of action we’re carrying out in the Doncaster East area. It builds on the work we’re doing every day, responding to and tackling any issues raised by residents. In the Askern area, we know that two of their main concerns are speeding vehicles and anti-social behaviour and so yesterday we’ve carried out two speeding operations and also attended various events. Pupils from Askern Spa Junior School and Norton School helped us to check the speeds of vehicles and held up signs encouraging people to slow down. We hope that by educating youngsters on the dangers of speeding they will also make their parents aware too as they tell them what they’ve been up to at school.”

Officers were joined Doncaster Council, St Leger Homes and the RSPCA. The Driver Standards Agency and HM Revenue and Customs were also stopping vehicles, to ensure they were roadworthy and using the correct fuel. Several were found to have red diesel in their fuel tanks, which is illegal to use on a normal road vehicle.

During the day, 47 cannabis plants were recovered from a building in Norton Common Road. The discovery was made as officers carried out enquiries for a woman who was wanted on warrant.

On July 10, a warrant was executed in the Norton area where a quad bike was seized, suspected stolen.

In Thorne, we conducted a speeding operation on July 9 at Wike Gate Road, Thorne, where 52 vehicles were monitored with one motorist doing over the 30mph speed limit.

Finally, South Yorkshire Police are taking part in the national firearm surrender, from Saturday July 20 until midnight on Sunday 4 August, appealing to people to hand in their unwanted guns and ammunition in a bid to make the streets of South Yorkshire safer. They can be handed in at Doncaster Police Station, College Road.

You can meet me at one of our community engagement meetings or contact me via ourFacebook engagement event – further details are on our website. You can also find out more about police activity in the East of Doncaster, by signing up to SYP Alerts on www.southyorks.police.uk.