South Yorkshire's thieves, robbers and burglars feel the heat

The Home Office groups these offences as “acquisitive crime”—and the force achieved an 11 per cent reduction for the year to March 2011.

The latest figures show house burglaries and theft from vehicles at their lowest level in three decades.

Theft of vehicles has never been lower since records started in 1974.

Charles Perryman, South Yorkshire Police Authority chairman, said: “The force and authority recognise that serious acquisitive crime is one of the top policing priorities for the public.

“We realise the impact it can have on communities and we continue to focus efforts on ensuring that crimes are detected and offenders are brought to justice.

“The latest figures show a significant step forward. We will continue to work with the Force in setting them stretching targets to ensure this good work continues.”

South Yorkshire Police has developed specialist teams of detectives to focus specifically on burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

Intelligence on crime trends and active criminals are used to deploy officers to priority areas, and robust curfew checks and bail conditions are used to limit re-offending.

Supt Tim Innes, force lead for serious acquisitive crime, added: “Our staff do a tremendous job but it’s critical that we keep the focus on this area of crime which can be emotionally and financially devastating for victims.”