Crackdown on vehicle crime in Rotherham

Activity has been taking place across South Yorkshire as part of Operation Lockdown.

It include the use of “sting” vehicles, containing cameras and trackable items such as computers and mobile phones with GPS fitted.

Static automatic numberplate recognition cameras are being set up on major routes to target travelling criminals and those committing traffic offences, while checkpoints will also be set up on a number of roads at which police officers will stop and check vehicles.

Other activity centres on scrapyards and second-hand dealers, to try and crack down on stolen goods being disposed of and also identify stolen property.

Police officers, PCSOs and special constables have been carrying out high-profile patrols and issue crime prevention advice, while unmarked cars will also be on patrol in “hotspot” areas of the county.

Det Chief Insp Chris Singleton said: “We intend to make it extremely difficult for car criminals to operate.

“Residents can help us too by securing their vehicles and removing property from display.

“More than half of all vehicle crime is as a result of property being left on open display or failure to lock the vehicle."

Chief Insp Iain Chorlton is heading up Operation Lockdown for South Yorkshire Police.

He said: “While we are already reducing vehicle crime across South Yorkshire, there is still more to do, and that's what this week of action is all about.

“Operation Lockdown, which was launched at the beginning of October, is about clamping down on burglary and vehicle crime.

This week, though, is specifically about vehicle crime, and offences such as thefts of vehicles and thefts from vehicles.

“We aim to disrupt criminal activity through intelligence-led policing and also gain further intelligence on mobile criminals, especially those crossing county borders.

“The message to those criminals is — we will catch you.”