Police operation nets £3 million in stolen goods

STOLEN property valued at over £3 million has been recovered by police from criminals intent on causing misery to residents and motorists.

Fishing tackle, quad bikes, jewellery, building materials and a lorry carrying a crane are just some of the more unusual items seized by officers since the launch of Operation Lockdown in October 2013.

Electrical items, mainly sat navs, car stereos, TVs, mobile phones and games consoles, have also been recovered from burglaries and vehicle crimes, and where possible, returned to their owners.

News of the impressive South Yorkshire total was released just days after the Advertiser reported how 200 suspects had been arrested and £300,000 of property had been seized by Rotherham officers under the Lockdown banner.

Chief Insp Iain Chorlton said: “We’re doing our utmost to track down criminals and recover stolen items but the public can help us, and more importantly themselves, by registering their property on the Immobilise website.

“The online database is quick and free to use, and could help individuals to get their items back if they are lost or stolen.

“We know that people would rather not have anything stolen in the first place but thanks to Immobilise and the action we are taking, life is becoming more difficult for thieves.

“The force is deploying ‘sting’' vehicles across the county and officers are working closely with Crimestoppers to maximise intelligence and add to the thousand-plus arrests that have already been made during Operation Lockdown.”

Between October 12 last year and January 12 this year, police recovered stolen property linked to burglary and vehicle crime in South Yorkshire worth an estimated £3,017,629.

Police in Rotherham recovered assorted property including pedal cycles, computers, jewellery, tools and golfing equipment, as well as some notable vehicles, including a VW transporter, tipper and an Audi A4.

Further information about home and vehicle security is available in the “Help and advice” section of the force’s website at www.southyorks.police.uk.

Anyone with information about burglary or vehicle crime should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.