Ramadan jewellery raids alert

Officers have visited religious venues and homes in hotspot areas and extra patrols have been on the streets as a deterrent.

Thieves often use festivals like Ramadan to target Muslim households they believe contain gold or other valuables, police say.

Cars parked around mosques have also been targeted while worshippers are inside taking part in prayers.

Acting Det Sgt Jamie Henderson, of the Rotherham Tasking Team, said: “We are aware that thieves are targeting homes they believe might contain jewellery.

“I can assure the public that we are doing everything in our power to identify the burglars and bring them to justice.

“It is vitally important that the community also plays their part and makes it difficult for opportunistic thieves by locking their doors and windows, and keeping precious items secure and out of view.

“We also advise that people take close-up photographs of all their jewellery so that items can be easily identified should they be stolen and later recovered.”

Suspicious activity can be reported to police on 101, or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.