Five in court on car crime charges

FIVE men appeared at court yesterday for burglary and theft from cars as part of a police crackdown on crooks.

The men appeared at Rotherham Magistrates Court — all snared in South Yorkshire Police’s Operation Lockdown initiative.

Gregory Allen (42) and Darren Smith (37), both of Badsley Moor Lane, were charged with handling stolen goods from a burglary in the Holmes area.

Ricky O’Mahony (29) of Dawson Avenue, Rawmarsh, was charged with burglary at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

Barry Patterson (42) of Doncaster Road was charged with one burglary and one attempted burglary on Quarry Street in Rawmarsh.

He was remanded in custody to appear again at Sheffield Crown Court on December 4.

Michael Hancock (39) of no fixed address was charged with theft from a motor vehicle on Rippon Court, Rawmarsh and a burglary on Haugh Road, Rawmarsh.

He too was remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on November 15.

Police have made more than 70 arrests in Rotherham in the six weeks since Operation Lockdown began.

Officers have mounted extra night patrols in the town, waking householders whose doors and windows are found unlocked.

Chief Insp Iain Chorlton said: “I am very pleased with these arrests, as they are proof of the amount of dedication and commitment our staff are putting into reducing these crimes on a daily basis.

“We are also urging the public to keep their possessions safe by keeping their homes secure, locking their doors and windows and not leaving items on show in their vehicles.”