After a rise in burglaries in the Crookesmoor area of Sheffield, South Yorkshire Police are urging residents to be vigilant.
This follows a spate of burglaries being reported in the area, with 24 burglaries reported in January 2024.
Daniel Glasgow, a resident in Crookesmoor who was the victim of an attempted burglary, said, “I was coming back home around 1am from a night out when I heard noises coming from the garden. I went to the kitchen and saw someone trying to enter through a window which was slightly open.
“I switched the light on and they ran away. It was a terrifying experience, and I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn’t come back in”.
Leaflets posted through doors of houses in the area warn residents to ensure all doors and windows are locked when leaving the house and to buy timer switches for lights and radios.
Most of the burglaries are classed as “sneak ins” where the intruder gains access to the property through an insecure window or door.
There have been 317 street level crime incidents reported in January.
In the leaflet South Yorkshire Police delivered to people’s houses, it suggests fitting an internal letterbox to stop people reaching through, and marking valuables with SmartWater (forensic liquid) so they can be returned if found later.
Mr Glasgow said, “The whole experience really opened my eyes to how relaxed we had taken home security before. I thought as long as the front and back door were locked we would be fine. I will absolutely be following all the measures the police have sent.”
Residents have been assured that all agencies involved in tackling the issue are working to prevent burglaries and prosecute those responsible.
South Yorkshire police has urged anyone with information, or anyone who has seen something suspicious to contact:
South Yorkshire Police on 101, or use Report a Crime.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ShefNews has reached out to South Yorkshire Police for comment.