POLICE bosses in Barnsley have confirmed an increase in residential burglaries since Christmas.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime, expressed concern about the hike in incidents at a recent public accountability board meeting.

A total of 630 hours of dedicated patrol hours have been carried out since, as well as the arrests of 18 key suspects.

Barnsley’s district commander, James Abdy, confirmed officers across the borough have been working in recent months to reduce the amount.