POLICE have issued a warning after a rise in so-called ‘two-in-one’ burglaries across the town - which has seen houses being broken into in order to grab high-value cars’ keys.
Statistics show the Mapplewell and Staincross area had a combined 469 burglaries in 2018 up from 378 in 2017 - and although it is not known just how many of those were classed as two-in-one, police say incidents of that type are increasing.
Although the spate has happened in those areas, reports of cars being stolen following burglaries have been far-reaching, with Darton, Goldthorpe and Grimethorpe also being hit since the turn of the year.
The Chronicle can reveal Barnsley-based officers are working alongside their West Yorkshire colleagues, as most break-ins which have resulted in cars being taken have resulted in burglars breaching the border.
Sgt Dave Baines, who is in charge of policing in Mapplewell and Staincross, told the Chronicle officers are keen to raise awareness in a bid for residents to be more careful with where they leave their keys.
“A lot of it is common sense as keys should not be left in sight of a potential burglar,” he added. “It’s not a case of wanting to scare people, they just have a right to know what’s been going on and what we’re doing to stop more incidents.
“High-value cars in particular have been targeted recently, so it’s wise - if it’s possible - to block them in as they’re clearly something thieves want.
“That way it makes it more difficult, as does the fact that many two-in-one burglaries have seen offenders get away into West Yorkshire, where the neighbouring forces cross.”
Extra foot patrols have been taking place on streets which have been hit hard, while marked traffic officers have been driving on routes previously used by criminals on the border.
Sgt Baines added: “Burglars are often opportunists so if they break into a property, the chances are they will have peered through a window and seen a key left out. It makes their job easier.
“There’s conflicting advice as to what’s best and many people don’t like the thought of taking their keys upstairs as there’s an obvious fear they will be confronted, so the most important thing is to just leave them out of someone’s view.
“The police will continue to do everything they can to reduce the rise in two-in-ones as it’s something we’re aware of, but the public can also play a big role in this by doing everything they can to avoid being targeted.”
