Category: police

As we approach the time of year when the dark nights are drawing-in and the darker evenings take hold, a home in darkness could be an invitation to a burglar. To help deter thieves the police are urging residents to ensure they have home security measures in place.

There are lots of simple and inexpensive things you can do. Make sure you keep windows and doors locked and leave lights on when you are out. As a further deterrent to burglars and thieves, perhaps using a light timer or Dusk to Dawn LED Bulb with a sensor could help.

The police have said that they will be stepping up evening patrols and Neighbourhood officers will be speaking to businesses and residents to offer additional advice about how to ensure premises and property are kept secure.

If you see any suspicious behaviour, the police would urge you to contact them immediately on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Don’t leave it a few days; ringing them as soon as possible will give the police the greatest chance of preventing a crime taking place and making an arrest.

For further burglary prevention advice, please speak to your local neighbourhood policing team:- 0114 2964898.  PCSO’s:- Pam Thompson 07584 617 210 – Phil Whitaker:- 07787 882 106 -Nicola Doolan –Hamer:- 07787 881 996 Alternatively, you can find more help and tips on their website: South Yorkshire Police

Dear all
We’re hoping you are doing okay at this incredibly challenging time.
Firstly, we want to let you know that we are here for you.
As always, if it is an emergency, please call 999.

At challenging times like this, we see the community spirit of South Yorkshire people demonstrated in many ways. We know that groups are setting up all over the county to offer support to people who are isolating. Whilst in the vast majority of these cases, the individuals will be well intentioned, there may be some who see this as an opportunity for their own criminal gain.

People carrying out shopping on your behalf, will at some point need to be paid. If you give them cash, how do you know they will come back with the goods? If you give them your bank cards, they have access to all of your funds.

Action Fraud and Age UK worked together to create this film on doorstep fraud which we think will help set out our concerns and offers you some helpful steps on ways in which you can protect yourself.

They suggest this easy way of remembering how best to protect yourself and your loved ones if someone comes to your door offering help.

• Stop – never do anything you don’t want to or make any decisions on the spot.
• Check – Check for ID but remember most of these are community volunteers so wouldn’t necessarily have ID. There is no way of knowing whether they are legitimate.
• Ask – Ask someone you trust for a second opinion, or ask them if they can provide the support you need.
• Mine – If they ask for your card or your pin, remember this is very personal information that should not be shared.
• Share – If you come across a scam, share your experience with others, if possible, to prevent them from being scammed.

Doorstep fraud is a crime. It happens to a wide range of people with all sorts of backgrounds. Please report it if it happens to you.
We also encourage you to share this information with your loved ones.
Thanks
South Yorkshire Police