Police target unlocked Dearne vehicles

A POLICE project to cut car crime found more than ten vehicles a week were unlocked or left with valuables on display.

Officers concentrated on Wombwell, Darfield and Hoyland — as well as Barnsley town centre — during three-week Operation Barbarian.

They carried out hi-vis patrols while PCSOs checked for “vulnerable” vehicles. Det Chief Insp Steve Handley said: “The operation has been a great success.

“We’ve gone from around six or seven vehicle crimes a day to one or, on some occasions, none.

“We’d urge all vehicle owners to take care of their property and not to leave money or valuables on show.”