I live in crime-hit village where we’re scared to go out & I was robbed on Christmas Day – everyone says the same thing
TERRIFIED residents are living in fear of leaving their own homes after a huge spike in burglaries on their estate.
Vehicles, bikes, cash and jewellery have been stolen during the crime spree in and around Oak Grove in Armthorpe, Doncaster - and one business owner admits he's been raided that many times he's "used to it".
Bob Needham, who runs the pet store Fish N Fings, spoke of how his business has been broken into at least 20 times in 30 years.
The 71-year-old has spent thousands of pounds installing security cameras and having his windows boarded up.
Inside the window display sits a rock that was once used to smash it open during one of the raids.
He and other residents are at their wit's end, furious and frustrated that not enough is being done to tackle the problem.
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Bob tells The Sun: "In 2021, I was hit four times between November and Christmas.
"They came here on Christmas Eve and stole some cash from the till.
"They've also targeted my house where they took my van which was later written off.
"During one of them I had a coin collection stolen which was worth about £7,500 which I didn't get back.
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"But now they're just bothered about taking cash, they don't tend to take stock.
"I've had bottles of spirits and wine behind the counter before which were gifts from people but they weren't taken.
"The thieves are only bothered about smashing the till and taking money.
"I've boarded windows up in the past but they've climbed over the top before and dropped on the floor inside."
I've been burgled that many times I'm used to it
Bob Needham
Bob says he's become so used to the crime that he feels like a sitting duck, just waiting for the next incident.
He adds: "I just get on with it now but it is sad. I was woken up last Christmas morning to the shop being burgled which spoiled the day.
"The police do usually come the same day or the day after, but there is only around 90 out of 1,000 cases that get convictions.
"I've been burgled that many times I'm used to it."
Baseball bat attack
Sharon Hornsby, 71, has been diagnosed with cancer twice and says the fear of intruders is having a huge impact on her physical and mental health.
The OAP was hit over the head with a baseball bat in a raid on her home in 2020.
The retired nurse lives with her adult son who is often away. She says: "I went to bed one night and just before 11pm I heard a crash.
"I went downstairs and I saw a man's arm so I went and hid under my covers and dialled 999.
"I begged them to come and help me but I had to wait 45 minutes.
"There was about four of them and they all had balaclavas on. One of them knew my name and asked where my purse was, that's how bad it was.
There was about four of them and they all had balaclavas on. One of them knew my name and asked where my purse was, that's how bad it was
Sharon Hornsby
"As I went to grab my bag one of them wrestled me and put his arms around my neck.
"I was shaking and crying and then I felt a bang on my head which knocked me unconscious."
The next thing Sharon remembers is waking up in hospital.
During the raid she had £400 taken, as well as bracelets, rings and a necklace.
In her cul-de-sac and the surrounding area, CCTV cameras and locked garden gates have been installed.
Sharon adds: "I've spent thousands having to install CCTV and put a big gate in at the side but I still don't feel safe.
"The police don't care or do enough. They don't protect innocent victims.
"I don't feel safe anymore but this is my home. I don't have much but I've worked for everything I have.
"It's been awful. I don't like answering the door to anyone.
"Thankfully they didn't take my dog but every time someone comes to the house he is really on edge as well.
The police don't care or do enough. They don't protect innocent victims. I don't feel safe anymore, but this is my home
Sharon Hornsby
"It's horrendous and it's a nightmare to live like this."
Out of the 10 burglaries in the last 18 months, only one has resulted in a prosecution.
It follows a nationwide trend - recent studies show that the number of suspects charged over residential and commercial burglaries in England and Wales has dropped by 55 per cent in the last seven years.
In 2015, police charged 25,163 suspects - this year, the figure has dropped to just 11,271.
Retired window cleaner Ian Hoppe, 67, tells The Sun: "I know people who have been hit and it is a worry.
"People have had bikes pinched and someone nearby saw someone try to get in his house.
"I don't know why this area specifically gets targeted, but there are woods about 100 yards away so it's an easy place to get away from.
"I don't blame the police because they have a hard job but it is a worry for people.
"You do worry every time you go out the house but you have to live.
"You shouldn't expect it to still be happening but it seems to be rising with the cost of living crisis."
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Detective Superintendent Jamie Henderson, burglary lead at South Yorkshire police force says: “Significant work to prevent burglaries and catch those committing them in Doncaster has been under way for some time.
"While there is still more progress yet to be made, we have already seen a large drop of 23 per cent on reported burglaries in July and August this year compared to the same two months in 2019.”