Police crackdown Operation Quilt promises no comfort for Christmas criminals

Eight people were arrested in the space of three days as part of Operation Quilt, three of whom have appeared in court.

Det Chief Insp Martin Tate (pictured), Rotherham Crime Manager and Senior Investigating Officer, said police officers wanted the burglars behind bars over the festive season.

“Some people think Christmas starts too early,” he said.

“Not for locking up burglars.

“This week in Rotherham we are focusing our attempts to prevent crime for the festive period.

“If you commit burglary we want you in prison for Christmas. And a happy new year.”

The operation is being led by Det Sgt Aneela Khalil-Khan, of Main Street Police Station.

She said the operation was targeting all types of acquisitive crime including burglaries, car thefts and robberies.

“We are targeting known offenders and dealing with anything that comes in and we have had quite a success,” said Det Sgt Khalil-Khan.

“We have had some engagement with the local community, supporting them and giving them crime prevention advice.

“We want to put these offenders behind bars before Christmas.

“We are targeting known areas that have had occurences of crime and arresting people who are known offenders and being proactive.”

Stephen Flinders (39), of Mason Avenue, Swallownest, and Sean Kelly (40), of no fixed abode, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday (26) on a joint charge of burglary.

They denied entering a property in Thurcroft with intent to steal on two days earlier.

Flinders was released on bail until a hearing at the court on January 9 and Kelly was remanded into custody until a hearing on Monday.

Barry Parkinson (70), of Robinets Road, Rotherham, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (27) charged with burglary.

He entered no plea and he was released on conditional bail to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on December 27.